The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has published its 2025 Annual Report, detailing its ongoing success in optimising domestic resource mobilisation across Africa.
Over the past year, the organisation reinforced continental tax architecture by deploying technical assistance to 35 countries and training 2 433 tax professionals across 43 nations.
These strategic interventions focus on modernising administrative frameworks, upgrading institutional capacities, and expanding government revenue streams.
The biggest highlight of the year is the ATAF-supported tax audits, which resulted in tax assessments worth US$907.8 million. Of this amount, US$685.8 million was successfully collected by member countries.
ATAF Executive Secretary Mary Baine said the report shows the growing importance of domestic resource mobilisation as African countries seek sustainable ways to fund development.
“Strong tax systems are critical for Africa’s future. They help governments raise revenue needed for public services and development,” she said.
The report shows that ATAF continued to play a leading role in representing African interests in global tax discussions. The organisation participated in 12 international meetings and contributed to major debates on digital taxation, tax transparency and illicit financial flows.
During the year, four African tax policy recommendations were adopted internationally, while four tax and illicit financial flow measures were adopted at the African Union level. ATAF also published eight technical notes through its Joint Technical Committee to guide tax administration on emerging tax issues.
“Membership of the organisation continued to grow. ATAF now has 44 member countries after Côte d’Ivoire officially joined and the Republic of Congo announced its full membership during the annual meetings,” the organisation noted.
The organisation also focused on strengthening its internal operations. ATAF reviewed 12 internal policies, implemented a new governance framework and held eight institutional meetings that led to important council decisions. A special general assembly meeting was also held to oversee the appointment and transition of a new Executive Secretary.
“Financial stability remained a key priority. ATAF collected 83% of membership fees from member countries, helping to strengthen the organisation’s financial position,” the organisation said.
Digital transformation also remained high on the agenda. The implementation of ATAF’s information and communication technology strategy reached 76%, helping reduce software costs and improve cybersecurity.
ATAF expanded its visibility across the continent and beyond. The organisation’s audience grew from 36 592 to 44 721, and more than 904 documents were translated into French and Portuguese to improve access to information. A new website was also launched to strengthen digital engagement.
In addition, ATAF’s communication campaigns generated more than 166 000 social media impressions, while media coverage increased significantly, with the organisation appearing in 365 media articles.
As African countries face growing development demands and complex global tax challenges, ATAF said its focus remains on helping governments build stronger, more efficient tax systems.
The organisation added that it believes that improved tax administration will help African countries raise more domestic revenue, reduce dependence on external funding and support long-term economic growth across the continent.