From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA) and the African Union through the Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals Department (AU-ETTIM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on areas of mutual interest and collaboration on tax justice.
In a statement by TJNA, it explained that the MoU will facilitate cooperation and collaboration between the two organisations to support Africa’s strategy for promoting domestic resource mobilisation, curbing illicit financial flows (IFFs) and creating tax strategies and systems for Africa’s future of financial independence.
The TJNA described the MoU as timely following the big win by the Africa Group after the historic adoption of the resolution on the commencement of the process towards a UN framework convention on international tax cooperation garnered resounding support from member states.
It further explained that through the MoU, TJNA and AU will collaborate on the development and championing of Africa’s interests on tax policy matters for adoption and implementation at global, continental and regional levels. It will also enable the two organisations to advocate and defend common positions in global negotiations on tax and Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs).
The TJNA and the AU, the statement added, have a shared vision and mutual interest to support continental integration, economic transformation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development to achieve Africa’s economic self-determination as encapsulated in Agenda 2063.
The MoU will ensure that both institutions are able to harness synergies in the coordination of policies, strategies, programmes, and activities aimed at realising inclusive growth and sustainable development through improved macroeconomic frameworks, good governance, and efficient utilisation of domestic resources.