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38 tax justice enthusiasts from 10 African countries were recently feted at the International Tax Justice Academy (ITJA) 2023 edition. The academy, which was relaunched after a hiatus occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw participants go through a month-long hybrid training schedule that culminated in a week-long physical training in Nairobi, Kenya.
The 2023 ITJA focused on foundation-level skills and was held under the theme “Building the next generation of tax justice champions.” During the training, participants delved into a series of introductory topics that provided a comprehensive foundation in the realm of taxation. The topics covered included the foundations of taxation, which served as the cornerstone for understanding the intricacies of tax systems. Participants also explored the concept of tax justice, shedding light on its principles and its role in creating fair and equitable societies.
The academy was graced by Deputy Commissioner Academic Affairs at the Kenya School of Revenue Administration, Ms Doreen Mbingi Ndombi, who welcomed the participants and emphasised that as tax justice champions, they should use the newly gained skills to advocate for good taxation systems across the continent.
"The principles of a good taxation system are fairness, clarity, simplicity, and efficiency in administration. An equitable tax system implies that everyone pays according to their ability since this assist with income distribution and the reliefs provided in the law.” She noted.
ITJA is a flagship program by TJNA that seeks to address the basic and urgent needs of knowledge and skills level of new entrants in the taxation and tax justice space. It aims at equipping them with the basic requisite capacity to understand the field of taxation its scope and to cope with their new roles and/or new work dimensions as proficiently as possible.
In the current year, the ITJA witnessed an overwhelming response, receiving more than 800 applications for the limited 40 slots available at the academy. This surge underscores the pressing demand for enhanced capacity building in tax-related matters throughout the continent.
Speaking at the end of the training session, participant JuneCynthia Okello, Economic Governance Associate, Pan- African Lawyers Union, mentioned that the academy gave her an opportunity to understand the elements of tax justice in her area of practise.
"It has been a great experience as I have learnt more about tax justice in relation to my practice to ensure good governance. Holding government accountable to tax that has been collected and ensuring taxes are utilised the right way." She echoed.
Rev. James Fredrick, Council of Churches, Namibia, noted that the academy expounded on his scope of understanding of the detrimental effects of signing double tax agreements.
“I have gained a clear understanding of the side-effects of my government signing double tax agreements and the direct link between DTAs, domestic resource mobilisation and economic growth.” he mentioned.
Penda Ndiaye, Program Officer at Forum Civil, emphasised that her participation in ITJA has proven to be an enlightening experience, granting her the chance to actively hold her government accountable, specifically in addressing and scrutinising pertinent taxation issues.
“This engagement has not only broadened my understanding but has also empowered me to advocate for transparent and responsible fiscal policies within the context of civil society initiatives.”
Watch the participants’ full testimonials below:
For more information about ITJA 2023, please contact Geoffrey Sirima at gsirima@taxjusticeafrica.net