New deal to Advance Tax Justice in Africa

Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA) and the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to strengthen tax governance, enhance policy coherence, and advance social justice in taxation across Africa.

The partnership combines TJNA’s strengths in research, policy engagement, and advocacy with WATAF’s role in supporting tax administrations across West Africa through technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and regional collaboration.

At a time when African countries continue to face significant challenges, including illicit financial flows, tax evasion, harmful tax practices, and shrinking tax bases, the collaboration highlights a shared commitment to building fair, transparent, and inclusive tax systems that can sustainably finance development.

Through this partnership, TJNA and WATAF will co-develop research and policy outputs, organise training and technical support initiatives, and engage in joint advocacy to promote progressive tax reforms at national, regional, and global levels.

The collaboration will also prioritise strengthening dialogue between tax administrations and civil society organisations, recognising that inclusive engagement is critical to promoting accountability and building trust in tax systems.

Central to the partnership is a shared focus on advancing domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as a sustainable pathway to financing Africa’s development priorities. By addressing tax-related challenges and supporting evidence-based reforms, the two organisations aim to contribute to stronger, more resilient fiscal systems that reduce reliance on external financing.

The MoC aligns with broader continental and global frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development.

Through this collaboration, TJNA and WATAF reaffirm the importance of partnerships between government institutions and civil society in shaping equitable and effective tax systems.

The agreement reflects a shared vision of an Africa where tax systems are fair, transparent, and accountable, and where public resources are mobilised and managed in ways that support inclusive and sustainable development.