By Oluwakemi Kindness
The West African Tax Administration Forum and African Tax Administration Forum are exploring the development of regional tools, guides, and digital applications to help African countries effectively tax the growing digital economy and strengthen information sharing between tax and customs administrations.
Speaking at the 11th Africa Tax Symposium 2026 in Rabat, Executive Secretary of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), Jules Tapsoba, said countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Senegal have already introduced reforms to tax digital services and online economic activities as governments seek to boost revenue collection in an increasingly digital world.
Tapsoba noted that tax administrations across West Africa are accelerating digital transformation through integrated tax systems, electronic VAT platforms, e-invoicing solutions, digital dispute resolution mechanisms, and improved online taxpayer services.
He said these reforms are helping improve compliance, reduce revenue leakages, expand the tax base, and enhance service delivery.
According to him, WATAF is supporting member countries through technical assistance, training, research, peer learning, and strategic partnerships aimed at building the capacity needed to address emerging technological and fiscal challenges.
The symposium, organised by the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD) brought together tax leaders, policymakers, academics, and development partners from across Africa to discuss digitalisation, artificial intelligence, international taxation, and the future of tax administration.
