Kigali, Rwanda — The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), in partnership with the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), is convening the 11th African Tax Research Network (ATRN) Annual Congress from 22 to 24 September 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda.
The call was made during the 11th African Tax Research Network (ATRN) Annual Congress, which is bringing together tax administrators, researchers, policymakers, academics and development partners to discuss emerging taxation challenges across the continent.
In Rwanda, tax revenue currently contributes 15.47% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underlining the role of taxation in financing government programmes and supporting economic development.
However, Rwanda’s tax administration still faces gaps in its ability to generate sufficient domestic revenue, with limited research cited as one of the challenges facing the sector.
The Commissioner General of the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Ronald Niwenshuti, stressed the need for stronger research to help identify challenges within the tax system and inform better decisions.African countries also continue to face significant challenges in mobilising domestic resources.
The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) estimates that about US$88 billion is lost every year through various forms of illicit financial flows and revenue leakages.
Prof. Annet Oguttu, a member of the ATAF Board, said African countries need to work together to address the problem.
The ATRN Annual Congress, taking place in Kigali from 22 to 24 September 2026, is providing a platform for African experts to examine taxation issues and share research-based approaches to strengthening tax systems.
Discussions are focusing on domestic revenue mobilisation, tax policy, illicit financial flows and the use of research and evidence in policymaking.
As African countries seek to expand domestic sources of financing for development, participants are emphasising the importance of stronger tax administrations, regional cooperation and policies informed by credible evidence.
The Congress also highlights the importance of collaboration among tax authorities, researchers, policymakers and development partners in addressing evolving taxation challenges.
Through dialogue and knowledge sharing, the ATRN Annual Congress seeks to contribute to stronger, more responsive and sustainable tax systems that can support economic development and public revenue mobilisation across the continent.
The event in Kigali underscores Rwanda’s role as a platform for regional and continental dialogue on taxation, public finance and economic development.
Written by UZABAKIRIHO Charles
