Africa ramps up tax measures on the wealthy
African tax officials have agreed to tighten enforcement of tax obligations for wealthy individuals as governments work to increase revenue collection across the continent. Representatives made the commitment at a three-day gathering in Entebbe, Uganda, that ended on Wednesday, October 23. The African Tax Administration Forum and the International Centre for Tax and Development hosted the event.
Mary Baine, who leads the tax forum, told attendees that South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho collect the most personal income tax in Africa. However, most of that money comes from employees who pay through automatic payroll deductions. Tax agencies struggle with limited budgets, poor data systems and failure to use available information when making decisions, Baine said.
Sam Shivute, who runs the Namibia Revenue Agency, urged strong leadership to ensure wealthy people pay what they owe. The officials focused on expanding the number of people who pay taxes and strengthening how governments raise money domestically. The forum pledged continued assistance to member nations working toward better revenue collection in line with established goals.
