WATAF Moves to Boost Digital Taxation and Revenue Systems
By Patience Ikpeme
The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) has said it is working with the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) to develop regional digital tools, guidelines and applications that will improve the taxation of the digital economy and strengthen information sharing between tax and customs authorities across Africa.
The Executive Secretary of WATAF, Mr. Jules Tapsoba, disclosed this while speaking at the 11th Africa Tax Symposium held in Rabat, Morocco, from June 3 to 5, 2026. He explained that the initiative is part of wider efforts to help tax authorities better respond to the rapid growth of online business activities and digital services, which are reshaping global economies and revenue systems.
According to him, several West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Senegal, have already introduced reforms aimed at ensuring that digital businesses are properly taxed. He said these reforms are helping governments capture revenue from online transactions and improve domestic resource mobilisation.
Mr. Tapsoba noted that WATAF’s role goes beyond observation, stressing that the organisation is actively supporting member countries through training, technical assistance, peer learning, research, and knowledge-sharing platforms designed to strengthen tax systems.
He said the Forum is focused on building stronger institutional capacity across the region, especially as technology continues to transform how goods and services are produced, traded and consumed.
“Technology brings great opportunities, but it also introduces new challenges. That is why we must continue to invest in people, strengthen institutions, and deepen regional cooperation,” he said.
He added that WATAF remains committed to helping member states adjust to these changes through targeted capacity-building programmes and closer collaboration among tax authorities.
Mr. Tapsoba also described the progress made in West Africa’s tax sector as significant, noting that many administrations are now using digital tools to improve efficiency, reduce tax leakages, expand the tax base and enhance service delivery to taxpayers.
He highlighted reforms already in place in several WATAF member countries, including integrated tax management systems, electronic value-added tax (VAT) platforms, e-invoicing systems, digital dispute resolution mechanisms and improved online taxpayer services.
While noting that progress differs from country to country, he said the overall trend shows a clear shift towards digitalisation and modern tax administration systems across the region.
He reaffirmed that WATAF will continue to serve as a key regional partner in supporting member countries to modernise their tax systems and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation.
The symposium, organised by the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD), brought together tax commissioners, policymakers, development partners, academics and international experts to discuss emerging issues in global taxation and the future of tax administration.
At the event, Mr. Tapsoba participated in a panel discussion themed “The Tax Administration of the Future: Modernisation and Reform for the Next Decade,” alongside representatives from the Rwanda Revenue Authority, the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators, the United Nations and other global institutions.
He noted that tax administrations across West Africa have made progress in adopting digital solutions aimed at improving compliance, enhancing transparency and expanding revenue collection.
The symposium also examined key issues such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation, transfer pricing, global tax governance and international tax reforms, all of which are shaping the future of fiscal systems across Africa and beyond.
During the event, Mr. Tapsoba received a recognition award for his contributions to strengthening tax systems in West Africa and promoting improved domestic revenue generation.
The award also acknowledged WATAF’s growing role in international and regional discussions on tax reform, capacity building and policy development. In his response, Mr. Tapsoba dedicated the recognition to member tax authorities and partners working collectively to improve tax administration and revenue mobilisation across the region.
