The Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacheus Adedeji has been elected as a council member of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF).
Adedeji joined nine (9) other heads of national tax administrations in the council, tasked with strengthening tax governance and driving sustainable economic development across the continent.
The election took place during ATAF’s General Assembly, where member nations voted in a keenly contested process.
The new council marks a fresh chapter in ATAF’s mission to enhance tax systems and regional collaboration.
South Africa was elected as the Chair of ATAF, with Namibia taking the Vice Chair position. Other council members include tax administration heads from Rwanda, Morocco, Uganda, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Mauritius, and Botswana.
In his inaugural address, Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner for the South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) and the newly elected Chair of ATAF, stressed the importance of collaboration and innovation.
READ ALSO: Omodewu’s Death: FIRS Chair, Zacch Adedeji Expresses Shock, Commiserates With Family, Oyo APC
“We are committed to fostering transparency and delivering the strategic leadership necessary to achieve sustainable development goals for the continent. Together, we will ensure that African tax administrations are equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow,” Kieswetter stated.
The outgoing Chair, Dr. Philippe Tchodie, Commissioner General of the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR), expressed gratitude for the support he received during his tenure.
He said, “It has been an honour to serve this organisation. I am confident that the new council will build on our collective achievements to further ATAF’s mission and strengthen tax systems across Africa.”
The new council has pledged to prioritize ATAF’s role in enhancing regional collaboration and equipping African nations to mobilize resources effectively. This includes strengthening tax systems to support economic growth and the delivery of critical public services.
Adedeji’s election to the council underscores Nigeria’s influence in shaping tax policies and governance in Africa and furthering efforts to ensure robust resource mobilization across the continent. Babatumde Fowler and Mohammed Nami have been past Chairs of ATAF.
