Date
Five more countries have joined the Scaling Up Tax Justice (SCUT) project, bringing the total countries under the project to nine as Phase III kicks off. This follows the successful implementation of phases one and two in Kenya, Tunisia, Cameroon, and Senegal.
Uganda, Liberia, Mozambique, and Tanzania join the expanded project which has demonstrated great results in strengthening the capacity of civil society, media, and parliamentarians as watchdogs of the ‘return on investment of taxation’ for citizens as part of their social contract with the state.
Speaking during the kick-off meeting that brought together over 20 participants from the nine countries, TJNA’s Acting Executive Director, Chenai Mukumba, noted that SCUT Phase III exemplified the strength of TJNA as a strong, thriving and growing network pushing toward Africa’s development by championing for fair, equitable and pro-poor taxation.
“As a network, we believe that domestic revenue generation holds the key to Africa’s economic independence. We will continue working with African governments to improve tax-related policies and laws to ensure the continent develops using its own resources.” Ms. Mukumba added.
During the three-day meeting, partners engaged in a number of issues including a deeper understanding of the SCUT project plan, results-based management, monitoring, learning and learning, advocacy as well as communicating for impact.
The overall objective of SCUT III is to improve at least 20 policies and laws to track and stop illicit financial outflows (IFFs), enhance fair and equitable tax revenue mobilization and strengthen social contracts in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Mozambique, Liberia, Senegal, Cameroon, and Tunisia by 2025.
The project represents a joint vision by TJNA, its members, and partners for the reduction of unfair tax practices in Africa through evidence-based research and policy advocacy to build capacity for monitoring fairness and transparency within the tax system as well as influencing policies on enhancing revenue generation.
SCUT also underscores the importance of financing for development and how Africa can meet its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the following;
- Increasing tax revenue for African countries
- Strengthening the existing social contract
- Ensuring domestic tax systems are more efficient and equitable
For more information about the SCUT Project please contact Ishmael Zulu at izulu(@)taxjusticeafrica.net.