The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting digital transformation in tax administration across the region as governments increasingly adopt technology-driven solutions to improve revenue collection and taxpayer services.
Executive Secretary of WATAF, Jules Tapsoba, disclosed that the organisation is working with the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) to develop regional tools, applications and guidelines aimed at strengthening the taxation of the digital economy and enhancing information sharing between tax and customs authorities.
Tapsoba made the disclosure while speaking during a panel session at the 11th Africa Tax Symposium held in Rabat, Morocco.
He noted that several West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Senegal, have introduced reforms targeting digital services and online economic activities as part of efforts to boost domestic revenue mobilisation and adapt to the evolving global economy.
According to him, WATAF continues to support member countries through capacity-building initiatives, technical assistance programmes, peer-learning platforms, research and strategic partnerships designed to equip tax administrations with the skills and tools required to address emerging fiscal and technological challenges.
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He stressed that while digital technologies offer significant opportunities for improving tax administration, their success depends on sustained investment in human capital, institutional capacity and regional collaboration.
Tapsoba observed that tax authorities across West Africa have made considerable progress in deploying digital systems to enhance taxpayer compliance, reduce revenue leakages, improve service delivery and expand the tax net.
He cited several innovations already being implemented by member administrations, including integrated tax administration systems, electronic Value Added Tax (VAT) platforms, e-invoicing solutions, digital dispute resolution mechanisms and expanded online taxpayer services.
According to him, the increasing adoption of technology reflects a broader regional commitment to building more efficient, transparent and responsive tax systems.
The Africa Tax Symposium, organised by the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD), brought together tax administrators, policymakers, academics, development partners and industry experts from across Africa and beyond to discuss emerging trends in international taxation and the future of tax administration.
The 2026 edition focused on issues such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, transfer pricing, global tax governance, international tax developments, trade and investment, and the future of revenue administration in Africa.
On the sidelines of the symposium, Tapsoba received a plaque in recognition of his contributions to strengthening tax administration systems and advancing domestic revenue mobilisation across West Africa.
The award also recognised WATAF’s growing influence in regional and international discussions on taxation, revenue reforms and public finance management.
Responding to the honour, Tapsoba dedicated the award to WATAF’s member tax administrations, development partners and stakeholders, whose collective efforts continue to drive tax administration modernisation and sustainable revenue growth across the region.
