The African Tax Media Network (ATMEN), with the backing of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), convened a two-day workshop in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, dedicated to bolstering communication strategies concerning taxation and domestic resource mobilization. This initiative brought together over 30 journalists from across the African continent, along with tax administrators and communication specialists, to address the crucial role of transparent and accessible information in fostering taxpayer compliance and public trust. The workshop underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between media professionals and tax authorities in shaping public perception and understanding of tax policies.
A central theme of the workshop was the acknowledgment that inadequate communication often breeds resistance to tax policies, thereby hindering revenue collection efforts critical for national development. Mamadou Séré, Representative of Economic, Finance Finance, and Forecasting, emphasized the link between taxation and economic independence, highlighting that many African nations grapple with low revenue mobilization due to public misconceptions about tax policies. This necessitates a strong partnership between tax institutions and the media to disseminate accurate and easily digestible information to the public, ultimately cultivating a culture of voluntary compliance. Misinformation, he noted, often fuels resistance to taxation, underscoring the critical role of the media in promoting tax education and transparency.
ATAF Executive Secretary, represented by Eugene Southgate, echoed the significance of media engagement in tax administration, pointing out that ineffective communication frequently leads to public opposition to tax measures, consequently impeding revenue collection. Effective communication about tax matters, he argued, fosters trust, accountability, and voluntary compliance, which are fundamental for sustainable revenue mobilization. He cited examples where communication failures had sparked protests against tax initiatives, reinforcing the need for collaborative efforts between tax administrators and journalists to ensure clarity and public understanding of tax policies and regulations.
Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh, Chairperson of ATMEN, reiterated the network’s commitment to bridging the information gap between tax policies and public awareness. He emphasized the vital role of taxation in national development and stressed the media’s responsibility in ensuring that tax policies are understood and accepted by citizens. He urged African journalists to leverage their platforms to educate the public about tax-related issues and advocate for transparent governance in revenue collection. This call to action underscores the potential of the media to empower citizens with the knowledge to engage constructively with tax systems.
The workshop delved into practical strategies to combat misinformation surrounding taxation, simplify complex tax policies for public consumption, and harness digital tools to enhance engagement. Discussions focused on equipping journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to report effectively on taxation, recognizing the media’s power to shape public discourse and influence attitudes towards tax compliance. Participants agreed that enhancing communication is paramount to fostering voluntary tax compliance and driving economic development. By empowering journalists to accurately and effectively communicate complex tax information, the workshop aimed to contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
The workshop employed a variety of interactive sessions, case studies, and expert presentations to provide journalists with the practical tools and knowledge needed to report effectively on taxation. This hands-on approach aimed to equip journalists with the skills to translate complex tax concepts into easily understandable language, enabling them to effectively communicate these issues to the public. ATAF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting these initiatives by providing training, capacity-building programs, and ongoing engagement with the media. This commitment reflects a long-term vision of fostering a robust and informed media landscape capable of effectively communicating the importance of taxation for national development. The collaborative efforts of ATMEN, ATAF, tax administrators, and journalists represent a significant step towards building a stronger, more transparent, and accountable tax system in Africa.
