Published: February 12, 2025
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and tax journalists from across the continent have launched a two-day workshop aimed at improving communication on taxation and domestic resource mobilization. Hosted by Burkina Faso’s Directorate General of Taxes (DGI), the event seeks to enhance public understanding of tax policies and strengthen collaboration between tax authorities and the media.
The opening session in Ouagadougou brought together tax administrators, journalists, and communication experts who underscored the importance of clear and transparent tax communication in fostering compliance and trust among citizens.
Speaking at the kickoff, Mamadou Séré, Technical Secretary for Fiscal Policy at Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Forecasting, represented Minister Aboubakar Nacanabo. He emphasized the critical role of taxation in national development and called for stronger engagement between tax institutions and the media.
“Taxation is the foundation of economic independence, yet many African countries struggle with low revenue mobilization due to public misunderstanding of tax policies,” Séré stated. “This is why collaboration between tax administrators and journalists is essential—to ensure accurate and accessible information reaches the public, fostering a culture of compliance.”
Séré further noted that misinformation often fuels tax resistance, making it crucial for the media to play an active role in promoting tax education and transparency. He urged journalists to remain committed to fact-based reporting that supports national revenue efforts.
ATAF Pushes for Stronger Tax Reporting
Representing ATAF, Communications Manager Eugene Southgate highlighted the importance of media engagement in tax administration. He pointed out that poor communication strategies often lead to public resistance to tax policies, ultimately hampering revenue collection.
“When tax matters are communicated effectively, they foster trust, accountability, and voluntary compliance, which are essential for sustainable revenue mobilization,” Southgate remarked.
He cited instances where inadequate communication had led to protests against tax measures, emphasizing that tax administrators and journalists must work together to ensure clarity in tax policies and regulations.
The Role of the African Tax Media Network (ATMEN)
A key highlight of the workshop’s opening day was a presentation by the African Tax Media Network (ATMEN), a platform established in 2018 with ATAF’s support to enhance collaboration between tax authorities and journalists. ATMEN Chair Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh reiterated the network’s mission to bridge the gap between tax policies and public awareness.
“Taxation is the backbone of national development, and the media must play a central role in ensuring that policies are understood and embraced by citizens,” Sengbeh stated.
He encouraged African journalists to use their platforms to educate the public on tax-related matters and advocate for transparent governance in revenue collection.
Bridging the Gap Between Tax Authorities and Citizens
As discussions unfolded, participants focused on strategies to counter misinformation about taxation, simplify complex tax policies for public understanding, and utilize digital tools to enhance engagement. Tax administrators and journalists agreed that improving communication is essential to fostering voluntary tax compliance and economic development.
The workshop will continue with interactive sessions, case studies, and expert presentations aimed at equipping journalists with the knowledge and tools needed to report effectively on taxation. ATAF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting these efforts through training, capacity-building programs, and continuous engagement with the media.
Discussion about this post