The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) have signed a new cooperation agreement to support stronger tax policy and administration, especially in the mining sector.
The new memorandum of understanding (MoU) sets out how ATAF and IISD will work together to enhance domestic resource mobilisation through policy development, research, capacity building, technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and peer learning. The partners signed the agreement during the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.
This agreement builds on years of collaboration. ATAF has worked with the IISD-hosted Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) to improve how governments collect revenue from mining. For example, ATAF and IGF’s work has recently helped Zambia improve mining revenue collection. They have also delivered training for hundreds of tax and revenue officials and published joint research, including The Future of Resource Taxation: 10 Policy Ideas to Mobilise Mining Revenues.
“As Africa works to increase domestic resource mobilisation, collaboration is key. This agreement with IISD marks a significant step forward in supporting our member countries to design and implement effective, fair, and context-specific tax policies—particularly in high-potential sectors such as mining. We are building on an already strong foundation of collaboration, having worked closely with IISD through the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining (IGF), particularly on initiatives such as the Future of Resource Taxation project. Through joint applied research, statistical analysis, and technical support, this partnership will deepen our shared efforts to generate evidence-based solutions, enhance transparency, and drive reforms that respond to the realities of African economies. It reaffirms ATAF’s commitment to supporting member countries in advancing their domestic resource mobilisation priorities in a way that is both strategic and sustainable,” said Mary Baine, Executive Secretary, ATAF
“ATAF has always been a great partner for IISD. Our work together has proven impactful in Africa and beyond. We look forward to deepening our relationship to strengthen our impact on domestic resource mobilisation under this new agreement,” said Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder, Vice-President, Global Strategies and Managing Director, Europe IISD
ATAF is a platform that brings together African tax administrations to engage in mutually beneficial discussions and capacity-building initiatives. ATAF works towards promoting efficient and effective tax systems that contribute to the sustainable development of African nations.
IISD is an award-winning, independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. IISD hosts the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development (IGF).
