Key African policymakers gather as pressure mounts to boost revenue and curb capital leakages across the continent……
Nigeria is set to take a leading role in shaping Africa’s tax future as the Nigeria Revenue Service convenes a high-level continental meeting focused on taxation and illicit financial flows.
The three-day session, scheduled from March 31 to April 2, 2026, marks the fifth meeting of a specialised sub-committee under Africa’s broader finance and economic coordination framework. It is being co-hosted with the African Union Commission.
Organisers say the meeting comes at a crucial moment for African economies, many of which are under increasing pressure to raise domestic revenue while reducing dependence on external borrowing.
The talks will bring together policymakers, tax administrators, development partners, and financial experts from across the continent to address one of Africa’s most persistent economic challenges illicit financial flows (IFFs), which continue to drain billions from national economies each year.
Focus on Tax Reform and Revenue Growth
Held under the theme “Building the Africa We Want Through Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms to Support Economic Growth and Domestic Resource Mobilisation,” the meeting will explore ways to strengthen tax systems and improve compliance.
Key areas of discussion include:
- Enhancing domestic resource mobilisation
- Strengthening tax administration frameworks
- Tackling illicit financial flows
- Addressing base erosion and profit shifting
- Leveraging digital tools for modern tax systems
Participants are also expected to align on a unified African position in ongoing global tax negotiations.
Nigeria at the Centre of the Dialogue
As host nation, Nigeria will provide strategic direction for the discussions, reinforcing its role in continental economic policy conversations.
The Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, is scheduled to deliver the welcome address, while Olawale Edun will formally declare the meeting open.
Officials say the session builds on previous engagements and aligns with Africa’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063, which places strong emphasis on sustainable growth driven by effective fiscal policies.
Tackling Illicit Flows Head-On
A major highlight of the event will be a dedicated side session hosted by the NRS, focusing on practical solutions to curb illicit financial flows.
The session will spotlight initiatives such as:
- The national single window system for trade transparency
- Asset recovery frameworks under existing laws
- Policy-driven approaches to blocking financial leakages
It is expected to serve as a platform for technical collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participating countries.
Expected Outcome
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders aim to:
- Strengthen the capacity of African nations to implement tax reforms
- Improve cooperation among governments and institutions
- Develop coordinated strategies to combat illicit financial flows
- Advance Africa’s collective voice in global tax governance
The Bigger Picture
For many African economies, improving tax collection and plugging financial leakages is no longer optional, it is essential for survival and growth.
As the continent navigates rising debt levels and tightening global financial conditions, the outcome of these discussions could play a critical role in shaping Africa’s fiscal future.
