The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), has disclosed that its audit interventions across member countries generated tax assessments worth $907.8 million, with $685.8 million successfully collected to support public finances and development projects across Africa.
According to the organisation’s newly released 2025 Annual Report, the revenue gains included $47.1 million from transfer pricing audits, $3.57 million from digital services tax, and $142.96 million realised through cross-border Value Added Tax compliance measures.
ATAF said the additional revenue is helping African governments strengthen their fiscal positions and improve funding for infrastructure, healthcare, education and other critical development priorities without excessive reliance on borrowing.
The report revealed that ATAF provided technical assistance to 35 countries during the year, trained 2,433 tax officials from 43 countries, including Nigeria, and supported legislative and administrative tax reforms across the continent.
The organisation noted that the report reflects significant progress across its strategic priorities, including capacity building, technical assistance, research, digital transformation, international tax cooperation and institutional strengthening.
ATAF also highlighted its expanding role in global tax policy discussions, particularly in ensuring African interests are represented in international negotiations involving illicit financial flows, digital taxation, tax transparency and the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
Speaking on the report, ATAF Executive Secretary, Mary Baine, said domestic resource mobilisation has become increasingly critical for Africa’s economic future.
“Domestic Resource Mobilisation is no longer optional for Africa; it is the foundation for sustainable development, economic resilience, and fiscal sovereignty. As external financing declines and fiscal pressures intensify, African countries must strengthen tax systems to modernise revenue administration, and build fiscally resourced states that finance development with integrity, effectiveness, and measurable results,” she said.
Baine added that ATAF remains committed to supporting reforms that strengthen development financing and deliver measurable impact for African citizens.
The report further stated that ATAF has expanded technical support programmes aimed at improving domestic revenue mobilisation as many African countries face rising debt burdens, weak revenue generation and growing development financing pressures.
According to the report, ATAF supported the revision of transfer pricing laws in several countries to ensure multinational corporations pay fair taxes where economic activities occur. The organisation also assisted tax authorities in introducing anti-tax avoidance measures to curb aggressive tax planning practices that often deprive governments of critical revenue.
ATAF disclosed that part of its interventions involved establishing dedicated transfer pricing units within tax administrations to strengthen oversight of multinational corporations and improve the detection of profit shifting and tax base erosion.
The organisation also supported the creation of exchange-of-information units to enhance cooperation among tax authorities and facilitate access to cross-border financial data needed to investigate tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
On institutional reforms, ATAF said it is strengthening its internal governance systems, financial management structures and operational processes to ensure long-term sustainability as demand for technical assistance across Africa continues to rise.
The report added that the organisation is reviewing its membership fee framework while deepening partnerships with donor agencies and development partners to secure additional funding for research, capacity building and technical assistance programmes.
ATAF also identified several emerging tax policy areas shaping the future of taxation in Africa and globally. These include carbon taxation, climate-related tax measures, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM), taxation of the digital economy, gender-inclusive tax systems and improved taxation frameworks for high-net-worth individuals.
The organisation further disclosed that it is encouraging the adoption of artificial intelligence-driven compliance systems to improve taxpayer monitoring, risk assessment and revenue collection efficiency.
According to ATAF, its long-term objectives remain focused on achieving financial sustainability, strengthening regional cooperation and building stronger tax institutions across Africa.
The report stressed that efficient and transparent tax administration remains essential for reducing Africa’s dependence on external borrowing, mobilising domestic revenue and supporting inclusive economic growth across the continent.
ATAF maintained that stronger fiscal institutions and improved tax collection efficiency are critical for helping African economies tackle poverty, unemployment, infrastructure deficits and rising social demands.
