Over 30 journalists across Africa attend tax communication workshop
By Bridgett Milton
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, February 12, 2025 – African Tax Media Network (ATMEN) with support from the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has commenced a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing communication on taxation and domestic resource mobilization for over 30 journalists across Africa.
The opening session, held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso brought together tax administrators, journalists, and communication experts, who emphasized the importance of clear and transparent tax communication in fostering compliance and trust among citizens.
Speaking at the kickoff of the workshop on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Representative of Economic, Finance Finance, and Forecasting, Mamadou Séré, underscored the vital 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”, he said.
Mr. Séré stressed that 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 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.
Representing ATAF Executive Secretary, Eugene Southgate stressed 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”, he emphasized.
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.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of ATMEN 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’’.
He encouraged African journalists to use their platforms to educate the public on tax-related matters and advocate for transparent governance in revenue collection.
As discussions kicked off, 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 continues 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. Editing by Jonathan Browne
