Barbara Bako, Abuja.
The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) has highlighted ongoing efforts by tax authorities across West Africa to modernise tax administration and strengthen the taxation of the digital economy amid rapid technological changes.
Speaking at the 11th Africa Tax Symposium held in Rabat, Morocco, from June 3 to 5, WATAF Executive Secretary, Mr. Jules Tapsoba, said the organisation, in collaboration with the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), is exploring support for the development of regional tools, guides and applications to improve taxation of digital economic activities and facilitate information exchange between tax and customs administrations.
Tapsoba noted that several countries in the region, including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Senegal, have introduced reforms aimed at taxing digital services and online economic activities, helping governments mobilise revenue in an increasingly digitalised global economy.
He said tax administrations across West Africa have made significant progress in adopting digital technologies designed to improve taxpayer services, enhance compliance, reduce revenue leakages and expand the tax base.
According to him, reforms implemented by member administrations include integrated tax administration systems, electronic VAT platforms, digital dispute resolution mechanisms, electronic invoicing systems and expanded online taxpayer services.
While acknowledging that progress differs from one country to another, Tapsoba said tax authorities across the region are increasingly embracing digital solutions to improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery.
He said WATAF is supporting member administrations through training programmes, technical assistance, peer-learning initiatives, research, knowledge sharing platforms and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and preparing tax systems for emerging technological and fiscal challenges.
The WATAF Executive Secretary stressed that technology presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring continuous investment in human capital, institutional development and regional cooperation.
He added that the organisation remains committed to helping member countries adapt to the evolving tax landscape through targeted capacity building programmes and collaborative initiatives.
The symposium, organised by the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation, brought together tax commissioners, directors general, policymakers, academics, development partners and tax professionals from across Africa and beyond to discuss developments in international taxation and the future of tax administration.
Participating in a panel session titled “The Tax Administration of the Future: Modernization and Reform for the Next Decade,” Tapsoba joined representatives of the Rwanda Revenue Authority, the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators, the United Nations and other international institutions to examine the impact of technology, digitalisation and innovation on tax administration.
The 2026 Africa Tax Symposium focused on issues including digitalisation, artificial intelligence, transfer pricing, international tax developments, global tax governance, trade and investment, and the future of tax administration in Africa.
Meanwhile, Tapsoba received a plaque during the event in recognition of his contribution to strengthening tax administrations across West Africa and advancing domestic revenue mobilisation in the region.
According to organisers, the recognition also acknowledged WATAF’s participation in regional and international discussions on taxation and tax administration reforms, as well as its growing role in promoting cooperation, knowledge sharing and capacity building among tax authorities in West Africa.
Receiving the award, Tapsoba dedicated the honour to WATAF member tax administrations, partners and stakeholders, whose collective efforts, he said, continue to drive tax administration reforms and domestic resource mobilisation across the region.
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