The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), has highlighted ongoing efforts by tax administrations across the region to modernise their operations through digital transformation.
Executive Secretary of WATAF, Mr. Jules Tapsoba, disclosed that WATAF, in collaboration with the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), is exploring support for the development of regional tools, guides and applications aimed at improving the taxation of the digital economy and strengthening information exchange between tax and customs administrations.
Speaking during a panel session at the 11th Africa Tax Symposium held in Rabat, Morocco, the WATAF Executive Secretary, who received a recognition for his contributions to tax administration reforms in West Africa, noted that several countries in the region, including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Senegal, have introduced reforms to tax digital services and online economic activities as governments seek to improve domestic revenue mobilisation.
According to him, WATAF is supporting member tax administrations through training programmes, technical assistance, peer learning initiatives, research and strategic partnerships to build the institutional capacity needed to address emerging technological and fiscal challenges.
Mr. Tapsoba emphasised that while technology presents significant opportunities for tax administration, it also requires continuous investment in human capital, institutional development and regional cooperation.
He noted that tax authorities across West Africa have recorded notable progress in deploying digital technologies to improve taxpayer services, enhance compliance, reduce revenue leakages and expand the tax base.
The Executive Secretary cited reforms implemented by member administrations, including integrated tax administration systems, electronic Value Added Tax (VAT) platforms, digital dispute resolution mechanisms, electronic invoicing systems and expanded online taxpayer services.
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He said the overall trend across the region demonstrates a growing commitment to leveraging technology to improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery in tax administration.
The symposium, organised by the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD), brought together tax commissioners, directors-general, policymakers, academics, development partners and tax professionals from across Africa and beyond to examine emerging issues in international taxation and the future of tax administration.
The 2026 edition focused on key themes such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, transfer pricing, international tax developments, global tax governance, trade and investment, and the future of tax administration on the continent.
