At the inaugural joint African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Country Correspondents and ATAF Women in Tax Network (AWITN) Leadership Conference, Mrs Jeneba J. Bangura, the Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone and Vice President of AWITN, delivered a powerful call to action for African tax leaders to prioritize gender-responsive tax policies and empower women economically.
Representing AWITN Chairman Ms Veronique Herminie, the former Commissioner General of the Seychelles Revenue Commission, Mrs Bangura emphasized the critical role of equitable tax systems in fostering Africa’s economic development. Echoing the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” she underscored the necessity of fair taxation as a foundation for gender equality.
Celebrating the four-year anniversary of AWITN, Mrs. Bangura acknowledged its significant contributions as a leading voice on gender and taxation issues. She pointed out that during the 2024 ATAF Annual Meetings, 14 member countries committed to implementing gender-sensitive tax policies. However, she cautioned that the current pace of progress is insufficient, urging a more accelerated approach to achieving gender parity.
In her address, she outlined AWITN’s key priorities, which include the development of gender-neutral tax policies, improved data collection, and the establishment of gender-responsive tax administration practices. She referenced Mr Sam Shivute, the Gender Champion from the Namibia Revenue Agency, who recently criticized the slow advancement of gender equality as “unacceptable” during the UNDP Tax for Sustainable Development Goals meeting, further highlighting the urgency for reform.
Concluding the conference, Mrs Bangura called on ATAF tax leaders to enhance collaboration, leverage artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, and advance gender-responsive taxation initiatives. The gathering culminated in a renewed commitment to shaping Africa’s tax policies to promote equality and economic inclusion for all.
