ATAF Organisational Structure
ATAF aims to improve the capacity of African tax administrations, strengthen tax systems, enhance the role of taxation in governance and state-building, provide a voice for African tax administrations on international tax matters and promote intra-Africa collaboration on tax matters.
ATAF Secretariat
The ATAF Secretariat drives the Africa Tax Administration Forum’s (ATAF) mission to enhance tax administrations across the continent. Based in Pretoria, South Africa, the Secretariat provides strategic guidance, technical support, and capacity-building initiatives to member countries, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among tax professionals. Committed to promoting fair and efficient tax systems, the Secretariat works tirelessly to strengthen tax policy, administration, and compliance, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and economic growth in Africa.
Organisation Structure
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- Office of the Executive Secretary
THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
The Executive Secretary (ES) of ATAF is the Chief Operating Officer of the organisation. He is an ex officio member of the ATAF Council and is appointed by the latter to run ATAF’s operations and look after the interests of the members. The Executive Secretary is responsible for the strategic leadership, management and administration of the Secretariat. The Office of the Executive Secretary works in close collaboration with the Council and other heads of African tax administrations for the effective translation of ATAF’s vision and mission into impactful actions.
- Strategy, Planning & International Co-operation Department
STRATEGY, PLANNING AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION DEPARTMENT
The Department of Strategy, Planning and International Co-Operation (SPIC) is responsible for ATAF’s institutional development and for the planning and operationalisation of the strategic objectives of the organisation. Parts of its duties include increasing the organisation’s membership, building partnerships with donors and other relevant strategic partners, and ensuring ATAF’s continued relevance for its members, by constantly monitoring and evaluating the impact of its products and programmes. The Department is made up of four Divisions: Member Cooperation; Strategic partnerships; Planning and Reporting; and Governance and Compliance.
- MEMBER COOPERATION DIVISION
MEMBER COOPERATION DIVISION
The function of the Member Cooperation Division within SPIC encompasses several key activities. This includes the recruitment of new members and maintaining communication with existing ones. Effective member management is achieved through regular consultation and detailed reporting, ensuring members are always informed and engaged. Additionally, the Division also leads fundraising efforts and manages relationships to foster a collaborative and supportive environment within the organisation.
- Strategy, planning & Reporting Division
STRATEGY, PLANNING & REPORTING DIVISION
Strategy Planning, Information Management, and Reporting (SPIMR)
The ATAF Strategy Planning, Information Management, and Reporting (SPIMR) Division plays a crucial role in ensuring that the organisation’s strategic objectives are achieved with precision and accountability. This Division is responsible for crafting comprehensive plans that delineate the goals, initiatives, and milestones for ATAF’s various programmes, projects, and activities. The SPIMR Division meticulously monitors progress to ensure that all programmes and projects remain on track and are aligned with ATAF’s overarching mission. Additionally, the Division is tasked with producing detailed reports that capture achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. These reports are essential for providing transparency and valuable insights to stakeholders, thereby informing future strategies and decision-making processes. - Strategic Partnerships Division
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS DIVISION
The Strategic Partnerships Division is integral to the organisation’s growth and success, focusing on building and maintaining vital relationships with key stakeholders. This Division’s primary responsibilities include fostering collaboration with donors, private sector organisations, civil society groups, academic institutions, and individual experts. By managing these relationships, the Division ensures that ATAF’s initiatives are well-supported and aligned with the interests of its partners. The Division also handles donor management, which involves donor consultation and detailed reporting to maintain transparency and trust. Additionally, it undertakes fundraising activities to secure necessary resources for ATAF’s projects. Through effective liaison and relationship management, the Strategic Partnerships Division enhances ATAF’s ability to achieve its objectives, promoting a collaborative environment that drives innovation and impact within the organisation.
- Governance & Compliance Division
GOVERNANCE & COMPLIANCE DIVISION
The Governance and Compliance Division is essential in maintaining the integrity and accountability of the organisation. This Division ensures that all ATAF’s operations adhere to established legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. It develops and implements governance policies that guide the organisation’s decision-making processes, ensuring transparency and fairness. Additionally, the Division oversees compliance with internal and external regulations, conducting regular audits and reviews to identify and address any potential risks or violations. By fostering a culture of accountability, the Governance and Compliance Division helps to build trust among stakeholders and supports the sustainable growth of ATAF.
- MEMBER COOPERATION DIVISION
- DOMESTIC REVENUE MOBILISATION DEPARTMENT
DOMESTIC REVENUE MOBILISATION DEPARTMENT
The Domestic Resources Mobilisation Department is dedicated to enhancing the capacity of member countries to generate and manage their own revenues effectively. This Department focuses on developing and implementing strategies that improve domestic tax systems, ensuring they are efficient, equitable, and sustainable. It provides technical assistance and training to tax administrations, helping them adopt the best tax policy and administration practices. Additionally, the Department works on broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing tax evasion and avoidance. By conducting research and analysis, the Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Department offers valuable insights and recommendations that inform policy decisions. Its efforts contribute to strengthening the tax autonomy of member countries, enabling them to fund their development priorities independently. Through these activities, the Department plays a pivotal role in fostering economic stability and growth across the region.
- INTERNATIONAL TAX DIVISION
INTERNATIONAL TAX DIVISION
The International Tax Division is pivotal in providing essential technical guidance on tax policy and administration, particularly concerning transfer pricing and various international tax matters. Tasked with navigating the intricate landscape of cross-border tax regulations, the Division focuses on precision and expertise. Its primary objective is to ensure clarity and consistency in tax practices, fostering an environment conducive to fair and efficient revenue mobilisation. Through analysis and strategic foresight, the Division plays a critical role in shaping international tax policies, thereby contributing to the integrity and sustainability of African tax systems.
- DOMESTIC TAX DIVISION
DOMESTIC TAX DIVISION
The Domestic Tax Division plays a crucial role within the organisation, providing members with technical guidance on tax policy and administration about various domestic taxes, including Value-Added Tax, Corporate Income Tax, Tobacco Tax, Personal Taxes, and Property Taxes. With a mandate to ensure efficiency and compliance in domestic tax systems, the Division works diligently to offer precise guidance and support to tax authorities across member countries. Through a systematic approach and expertise in tax matters, the Division strives to enhance the effectiveness of revenue collection while maintaining fairness and integrity in domestic tax regimes.
- RESEARCH AND STATISTICS DIVISION
RESEARCH AND STATISTICS DIVISION
The Research and Statistics Division is dedicated to advancing tax administration and revenue collection capabilities through rigorous research and data analysis. By focusing on generating insights and statistical analysis, this Division plays a pivotal role in identifying trends, evaluating policies, and informing decision-making processes within member countries. Through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, the Division aims to fill institutional and staff knowledge gaps by providing evidence-based recommendations and best practices. Leveraging its expertise in data management and analysis, the Division contributes to enhancing tax systems across Africa, ultimately fostering sustainable economic growth and development.
- INTERNATIONAL TAX DIVISION
- Africa Multi-lateral Cooperation Department
AFRICA MULTILATERAL COOPERATION DEPARTMENT
The Africa Multilateral Cooperation Department facilitates collaboration among African countries on tax matters. It engages with international organisations, regional bodies, and governments to promote coordinated tax policies and practices. The Department works to harmonize tax regulations, enhance information exchange, and support joint initiatives that address cross-border tax challenges. By fostering multilateral cooperation, it aims to strengthen the collective capacity of African nations to improve tax administration and compliance.
- Strategic Relations (AUC) Division
STRATEGIC RELATIONS-AUC DIVISION
The Strategic Relations specialist is the ATAF’s representative at the African Union and is responsible for fostering cooperation between ATAF and the AUC. This division works to align ATAF’s tax initiatives with the broader economic and developmental goals of the African Union. It engages in policy dialogue, participates in AUC meetings, and collaborates on initiatives to improve tax systems across member states. By maintaining strategic solid relations, this division ensures that ATAF’s programmes and objectives are integrated into the AU’s agenda, promoting sustainable development and financial stability in Africa.
- Strategic Relations (AUC) Division
- Member Services Department
MEMBER SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Member Services Department serves as the primary conduit for member countries, offering tailored support and assistance to bolster their tax administration capabilities. At the core of its mandate lies the facilitation of member capacity building through providing both long-term and short-term technical assistance and training initiatives. This Department acts as a responsive liaison, adeptly addressing member inquiries, organising specialized training sessions, and disseminating pertinent resources and knowledge materials. By fostering collaborative partnerships with member countries, the Member Services Department orchestrates impactful capacity-building programmes, equipping tax administrators with the requisite skills and expertise to navigate complex tax landscapes effectively. Through its strategic initiatives, this Department is pivotal in nurturing a vibrant and empowered ATAF community committed to advancing tax administration excellence across member nations.
- Tax Academy Division
TAX ACADEMY DIVISION
The ATAF Tax Academy is dedicated to enhancing the skills and knowledge of African tax administrators. It offers specialised training programmes designed to address the unique challenges faced by tax authorities on the continent. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including tax policy, compliance, administration, and international taxation. The academy employs experienced professionals and utilizes practical case studies to ensure participants gain applicable skills. By fostering a collaborative learning environment, the ATAF Tax Academy aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of tax systems in African countries.
- Country Programmes Division
COUNTRY PROGRAMMES DIVISION
The ATAF Country Programmes Division supports African countries in improving their tax systems. It collaborates with national tax authorities to design and implement tailored programmes that address specific needs and challenges. The Division provides technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity-building initiatives. It focuses on areas such as tax administration, compliance, and revenue mobilisation. By leveraging expertise and fostering regional cooperation, the ATAF Country Programmes Division aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of African tax systems.
- Regionalisation Division
- Rapid Response Division
- Tax Academy Division
- Cooperate Services Department
CORPORATE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Corporate Services Department is the organisation’s cornerstone, ensuring streamlined operations and vital support across diverse functions. The following divisions fall under this Department: Human Resources, Finances, Procurement, Communications and Logistical Suuport, handling tasks with precision and professionalism, the Corporate Services Department supports the other Departments in achieving their core mandates.
- Finance Division
FINANCE DIVISION
The Finance Division manages the organisation’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and asset management. Through meticulous record-keeping and adherence to financial regulations, Finance ensures transparent decision-making and accountability within ATAF.
- Communications Division
COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
The Communications Division manages all communication, marketing and language-related activities within the organisation. Its primary objective is to ensure effective dissemination of information both internally among staff and externally to members, stakeholders and the public. Through various channels such as press releases, social media, newsletters, and the organisation’s website, the Division keeps stakeholders informed about ATAF’s initiatives, events, and achievements. They also play a crucial role in enhancing the organisation’s visibility and reputation as a leading advocate for fair and efficient taxation across Africa. Within the Division, the Language Desk Unit ensures the translation of all ATAF documents into French and Portuguese, and organises the provision of interpretation services for ATAF’s multilingual events.
- Procurement & Facilities Division
PROCUREMENT & FACILITIES DIVISION
The Procurement and Facilities Division is responsible for managing the organisation’s procurement processes and facility operations. Within this Division, the Procurement unit oversees the acquisition of goods and services, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines. Additionally, it is tasked with maintaining and managing the facilities utilised by ATAF, including office spaces. The Division works diligently to streamline procurement procedures, optimise resource utilisation, and uphold standards of efficiency and transparency. Through meticulous planning and execution, the ATAF Procurement and Facility Division plays a pivotal role in supporting the organisation’s objectives and facilitating smooth operational functioning.
- Operational Support Division
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT DIVISION
The Operational Support Division provides essential assistance to ensure the effective functioning of various operational activities within the organisation. This Division provides logistical support, event organisation, and transport arrangements, among others. It plays a crucial role in organising meetings, workshops, and conferences, ensuring that all logistical arrangements are efficiently managed. Moreover, the Operational Support Division handles administrative tasks, such as documentation management and scheduling, contributing to the overall operational efficiency of ATAF. Through its diligent efforts, this Division helps to streamline processes and enhance the productivity of the organisation’s operations.
- Human Resources Division
HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION
The Human Resource Division manages all aspects of the organisation’s human capital. Its primary responsibilities include recruitment, selection, onboarding, and performance evaluation of employees. Additionally, this Division oversees compliance with employment laws and regulations, as well as the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures. It is pivotal in fostering a positive work environment and promoting employee well-being. The Human Resource Division ensures that ATAF attracts, retains, and develops a skilled and motivated workforce to achieve its organisational objectives through effective workforce planning and talent management strategies.
- Finance Division
- Strategy, Planning & International Co-operation Department
- Office of the Executive Secretary