The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening tax compliance among Africa’s wealthiest citizens, as countries including Tanzania take bold steps to ensure fairness and transparency in taxation.
During a continental workshop held in Entebbe, Uganda, from October 21 to 23, tax experts and administrators from 15 African countries gathered to explore strategies for improving compliance among High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs).
The meeting, jointly organised by ATAF and the International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD), and hosted by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), focused on building fair and efficient tax systems that enhance domestic revenue mobilisation.
Opening the event, URA’s Assistant Commissioner for the Large Taxpayers Office, Mr. Ngaruye Innocent, underscored the importance of collective action in broadening Africa’s tax base.
“We must work together to ensure that all individuals contribute their fair share towards national development,” he said on behalf of the URA Commissioner General.
ATAF Executive Secretary Ms. Mary Baine emphasised the importance of partnerships, noting that collaboration between ATAF, URA, and ICTD had made the workshop possible.
She cited under-resourcing, limited data integration, and weak use of administrative information as challenges facing African tax administrations.
“ATAF stands ready to support our members in achieving their domestic revenue mobilisation goals,” she said, urging tax authorities to approach HNWI compliance with confidence and innovation.
In his keynote address, Mr. Sam Shivute, Commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) and ATAF Vice Chair, stressed that strong leadership is essential in implementing credible and trusted HNWI compliance programmes.
“Our goal must be to design systems that are both fair and effective, earning public confidence,” he remarked.
A high-level panel discussion led by ICTD Director Mr. Martin Hearson explored the political and strategic dimensions of taxing HNWIs.
Panelists including Mr. Shivute, Ms. Baine, and Mr. Henry Ngutwa, Deputy Commissioner General of the Malawi Revenue Authority shared insights on improving data access, inter-agency cooperation, and managing political sensitivities to ensure equitable taxation.
Over three days, delegates exchanged experiences, identified key datasets, and reviewed the legal frameworks needed to enhance HNWI compliance.
The workshop concluded with practical recommendations to update ATAF’s Guide on Taxing High-Net-Worth Individuals and to strengthen research and technical support for African tax administrations.
Among the countries demonstrating leadership on this agenda is Tanzania. The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) recently launched a dedicated High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI) Office, located on the 11th floor of Golden Jubilee Towers in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking at the launch, TRA Commissioner General Mr. Yusuph Mwenda said the new office represents a milestone in modernising tax administration.
“The establishment of this office demonstrates our commitment to fairness and transparency in taxation. High-net-worth individuals play a crucial role in our economy, and this initiative ensures they are supported with efficient, professional, and personalised tax services while fulfilling their obligations under the law,” he stated.
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In May 2025, ATAF launched a technical mission to assist several countries including Tanzania under the HNWI Taxation Project.
The mission aims to assess the administrative and legal feasibility of strengthening compliance among individuals with significant assets, focusing on refining existing systems rather than introducing new taxes.
ATAF’s applied research and statistics unit is also working closely with ICTD to advance HNWI-related tax research, helping countries like Tanzania design data-driven approaches to ensure that wealthier citizens contribute fairly to national development.
Through these collaborative initiatives, ATAF and its member countries are moving the needle toward a more equitable tax system one that builds public trust, mobilises domestic revenue, and supports inclusive growth across Africa.