Gambiaj.com – (Cape Town, South Africa) – The African Tax Research Network (ATRN) has concluded its 10th Annual Congress in Cape Town, marking a decade of advancing evidence-based solutions to Africa’s fiscal challenges. The three-day congress, running from September 16 to 18 under the theme “Contemporary Taxation Issues in Africa: Shaping the Continent’s Fiscal Space Past, Present and Future,” underscores ATRN’s critical role in reshaping tax policy and research across the continent.
Established in 2014, ATRN has emerged as Africa’s premier platform for tax research and policy dialogue, bridging the gap between scholars and policymakers. Over the past decade, the network has championed domestic resource mobilization, strengthened tax systems, and sought to address inequality – key pillars for building sustainable and self-reliant African economies.
At the opening ceremony, ATAF Executive Secretary Mary Baine reflected on ATRN’s transformation from a bold idea into a respected institution. “Ten years ago, ATRN was a bold idea. Today, it is a vibrant community where research shapes action. With 153 paper submissions and the SCOPUS-accredited AMTJ, ATRN ensures African tax scholarship meets global standards and shapes policy,” she said.
Prof. Edward Kieswetter, Chairperson of the ATAF Council and Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), stressed that Africa must move from dependency on aid to self-reliance through effective domestic revenue mobilization. “Africa needs more trade and not aid. To invest in this, Africa must unlock its own potential. Mobilizing domestic revenue is key. ATRN has grown from a beacon of hope into an engine for homegrown solutions that enhance tax collection and address inequality,” he said.
Beyond shaping policy, ATRN has also transformed the academic landscape of tax research in Africa. Prof. Annet Oguttu, Chairperson of the ATRN Advisory Board, noted that the network has provided “PhD scholarships, career-defining opportunities, and opened doors for scholars to influence reforms and build lasting networks.”
This year’s congress not only celebrates ATRN’s 10th anniversary but also signals its future direction. A Call for Papers for the 2026 ATRN Congress was announced, inviting academic and professional contributions to further strengthen African tax research. The move from last year’s event in Gaborone to Cape Town reflects the network’s expanding influence and geographic reach.
By bringing together policymakers, academics, and practitioners, the 10th ATRN Congress highlights the importance of evidence-based tax policy in driving Africa’s development. As ATRN enters its second decade, its commitment to building fair, effective, and sustainable tax systems remains at the heart of Africa’s push for economic self-determination.
