PRETORIA, June 30, 2026 — The African Tax Administration Forum [ ATAF ] has launched the 2026 African Tax Research Network [ATRN] Fireside Chat Series with a high-level public lecture delivered by Ramy Mohamed Youssef, Deputy Minister of Finance for Tax Policy and Reforms of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Chair of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
Delivered under the theme, “The United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation: Process, Progress and the Road Ahead”, the lecture marked the first in a series of engagements leading up to the 11th African Tax Research Network [ATRN] Congress, scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from September 22-24, 2026 under the theme “Contemporary Taxation Issues in Africa”.
In his address, Youssef outlined progress made towards developing the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation and reflected on the evolution of the global tax system.
He noted that international tax rules have historically focused on preventing double taxation, but said current negotiations aim to establish a more inclusive framework capable of ensuring fairer allocation of taxing rights in an increasingly digital and interconnected global economy while supporting sustainable development.
Speaking during the event held on June 26 at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, ATAF Executive Secretary Mary Baine emphasised the growing role of research in shaping both continental priorities and international tax policy discussions.
“The future of international tax cooperation will not be shaped by negotiations alone. It will also be shaped by the quality of research and evidence that informs those negotiations. Through the African Tax Research Network, ATAF is creating a platform where African scholarship contributes to African priorities and global tax policy.”
She described the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation as “one of, if not the most consequential structural changes in global tax governance in the better part of a century.”
She emphasised that Africa is not a spectator in this process—it is one of its principal architects. The Executive Secretary also highlighted the practical role ATAF has played in supporting African countries throughout the negotiations. This has included participating in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee as an accredited observer, providing technical analysis and intelligence to member countries, developing policy positions on issues of strategic importance to Africa, coordinating with African Union, Africa Group and other partners including TJNA and UNECA, and strengthening the capacity of member countries to engage effectively in the negotiations.
Chair of the ATRN Board and Director of the African Tax Institute, Prof. Annet Oguttu, called for stronger participation by African scholars in influencing international tax policy.
“African scholars should not merely observe international tax negotiations. They should help shape them by providing the research, technical expertise and policy analysis needed to advance Africa’s priorities.”
Oguttu said the ATRN continues to strengthen Africa’s tax research ecosystem by bringing together researchers, policymakers and tax administrators, while building a growing repository of African tax scholars and experts to support future international tax cooperation.
Interest in this year’s ATRN Congress continues to increase, with approximately 190 research papers already submitted by researchers from across Africa and beyond. Selected papers will be presented during the Congress, highlighting innovative research and practical solutions aimed at strengthening tax policy, improving tax administration and enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation across the continent.
Since its establishment, ATRN has grown into one of Africa’s leading platforms for tax thought leadership, promoting collaboration between academia and tax administrations while advancing African-led research to inform policy and support stronger and more effective tax systems.
The 11th ATRN Congress is expected to bring together researchers, tax administrators, policymakers, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss emerging tax issues, exchange evidence-based research and contribute to shaping the future of taxation across Africa.
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