Timo Voipio

Now back at the MFAF (= Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.) My tweets are my own, retweets no endorsements.

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐱 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
Speaking during the 2026 ATRN Fireside Chat, ATAF Executive Secretary Ms Mary Baine 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.

Looking ahead, she called on African researchers to play a greater role in generating the evidence needed to strengthen the continent's negotiating positions, reminding participants that "arguments without evidence are just that—arguments."

Through the African Tax Research Network (ATRN), ATAF continues to strengthen the link between research, policy and practice, ensuring that African scholarship contributes to shaping the future of international tax cooperation.

#ATRN #InternationalTax #TaxResearch #DomesticRevenueMobilisation #ATAF

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

On 26 February, the Executive Secretary, Ms Mary Baine, hosted a high-level delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB), led by Executive Director Mr Pirkka Tapani Tapiola (representing Denmark, Finland, India , Ireland, Norway and Sweden), for a strategic engagement aimed at reinforcing continued collaboration.
Discussions focused on scaling support for domestic resource mobilisation, responding to shifts in the global financial architecture, and leveraging technology and digitalisation to strengthen tax compliance and improve administrative efficiency.
For over 12 years, ATAF has partnered with the AfDB through Phase I and Phase II programmes dedicated to strengthening tax administration systems for domestic resource mobilisation across the continent. The corporation has expanded to supporting fragile states as well as other regional program initiatives. These initiatives have contributed to building more efficient, effective and sustainable tax systems, supporting African countries in advancing homegrown solutions and meeting the growing demand for technical assistance and domestic resources through taxation. Strengthening the rule of sovereignty and good governance.

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

With Africa losing an estimated USD 88.6 billion annually to IFFs, leaders underscored that the continent could not afford fragmented responses.
Key highlights included:
- Evidence from the AU–ATAF Anti-IFF Policy Tracker revealed common gaps across policy, legislation, institutions, and data systems.
- ATAF’s support through transfer pricing guidance, administrative tools, and capacity building was recognised as critical for strengthening enforcement.
On the panel were:

• Dr. @ndzana_olomo, Acting Director, Economic Development, Intergenerational and Trade, @AU_ETTIM
• Dr. Mathabo Makoko, Commissioner General, @Revenue_Serv
• Hon. @IreneOvonji, Commissioner, ICRICT; Chair of the Board, Tax Justice Network; Former Member, AU/UNECA High-Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows
• Ms. @HabibaBenBarka, Chief of Africa Section, Policy Analysis and Research, @UNCTAD
• Mr. Anthony Munanda, Head, Domestic Resource Mobilisation, ATAF
• Mr. Kalayu Gebre-Selassie, Acting Manager, Governance and Economic Reform, @AfDB_Group
• Ms. Rachel Gyabaah, Programme Officer, Trust Africa
• Ms. @leilakituyi1, Manager, Strategic Partnerships and International Cooperation, ATAF

#ATAFAnnualMeetings
#Algeria

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

Join ATAF's ATRN, together with @ICTDTax and the @WorldBank, for the fourth session of the Webinar Series on Digitalisation and Tax.

DATE: Thursday, 11 September 2025
TIME: 15h00 – 16h30 (SAT)
LINK: https://t.co/OF7mkK1pkd

#ATAF

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

ATAF completed a high-level mission with the Namibia Revenue Agency @NamRA_org_na , working on seven transfer pricing cases in the mining sector. ATAF experts provided hands-on support in audit methodologies, cross-border pricing, and asset valuation.
This builds on five years of partnership with Namibia, during which ATAF has helped shape transfer pricing legislation, develop practice notes aligned with international standards, and train auditors in advanced analytical techniques. These reforms have already delivered results, including improved compliance, stronger audit efficiency, and the first-time provisional tax declaration of over N$200 million by one major company.

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

Préparez-vous pour la plus grande semaine de l'année de l'ATAF dans la ville animée d'Alger Direction Générale des Impôts - Algérie @MFinancedz !
Les réunions annuelles de l'ATAF 2025 se tiendront du 3 au 7 novembre 2025 à Alger, en Algérie.

Thème : Adopter des approches efficaces et ciblées pour des systèmes fiscaux équitables

#ATAF

[Timo Voipio @TimoVoipio]

This is what I call sustainable development: The Pan-African networks are now taking ownership and leadership of what started as a (donor driven) Multi DONOR Action. It is now being transformed into a Multi PARTNER Action led by the AU-Commission and coordinated by ATAF.

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

ATAF has taken a decisive step in advancing Africa’s fight against illicit financial flows (IFFs) by actively participating in the Multi-Donor Action Initiative - a collaborative platform dedicated to tackling tax-related illicit flows through joint African-led strategies.

Read more here: https://t.co/zLC9Zoqg6q

#ATAF

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

❓Can taxes fund a healthier Africa?

Join us for a bold conversation on:
“Tax as a Catalyst for Sustainable Health Policy – Funding, Innovation, and Equitable Outcomes” during the 10th African Tax Research Network (ATRN) in Cape Town, 🇿🇦.

Date: 16-18 September, 2025
🔗Register here: https://t.co/L6aV7NZaLP

#ATAF
#ATAFATRN25

[Tax Justice Network Africa @TaxJusticeAfric]

“Why do we keep giving away our taxing rights? I will answer it very simply. It is about bargaining power. We are at the table looking for foreign direct investments, so that we can exploit our own resources. And so, of course, we are using tax policy as a way to attract investment. And it is not just that we offer this. It is also demanded of us by the investor.”

Our Senior Policy Officer, Ms. Everlyn Muendo making submissions during the First Session of the historic Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.

Read more: https://t.co/kLwnIvtrIp

Video courtesy of United Nations Web TV.

#TaxJusticeAfrica #UNTaxConvention

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[Timo Voipio @TimoVoipio]

The Anti-IFF Policy Tracker is becoming the major monitoring and reporting tool that the African Union member states use as they report to the AU Finance Ministers on progress made in curbing illicit financial flows. Finland has been supporting this important process since 2020.

[Tax Justice Network Africa @TaxJusticeAfric]

Côte d’Ivoire becomes the first Francophone African country to pilot and validate the Anti-IFFs Policy Tracker, reinforcing its national commitment to tackling illicit financial flows (IFFs) through data-driven, collaborative, and policy-led approaches.

This milestone marks a critical step in Africa’s broader push for fiscal sovereignty and financial justice.

Read more: https://t.co/zNydgrmE3C

#TaxJusticeAfrica #AfricaAgainstIFFs

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[ATAF @ATAFtax]

For a decade, the African Tax Research Network (ATRN) has shaped thought leadership in tax policy, administration, and legislation across Africa.

Join us as we shape Africa’s fiscal future through research, policy dialogue, and innovation.

📍16–18 Sept
📌 Cape Town
🔗 Register now: https://t.co/kbRY1OPImj

#ATAF
#ATAFATRN25

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

Register to attend the 10th African Tax Research Network (ATRN) here: https://t.co/RiyAPdaQfa

#ATAF
#ATAFATRN25

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

ATAF recently participated in the Multi-Donor Action Initiative on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs), organised by the @EU_Commission, Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and @giz_gmbh with GIZ support. The meeting brought together leading African institutions, including the @_AfricanUnion, @TaxJusticeAfric, AFROSAI, @AFROSAIE, and AFROPAC, to align strategies for tackling IFFs.

#ATAF

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

Opportunity at ATAF:

We are seeking applications for a Tax and Gender Data Analyst.

🔗Apply here: https://t.co/7uV9qsnohq

#ATAF
#Opportunities

[CESR - cesr.bsky.social @social_rights]

🧵#UNTaxConvention Negotiations – Day 3:

Yesterday opened with what may be the Convention’s most contested issue: fair allocation of taxing rights (FATR). Behind technical language is a fight over who gets to tax and who benefits. Here’s what happened in 10 key points

👇

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

With experts from ATAF, the @_AfricanUnion @AU_ETTIM , the @ECA_OFFICIAL, and @TaxJusticeAfric, the Technical Briefing to prepare for the August sessions of the @UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on a new international tax cooperation framework reinforced the need for coordinated African positions across key tax workstreams.

#ATAF

[Timo Voipio @TimoVoipio]

EU, Finland and Germany have supported awareness training of African Parliamentarians and journalists on illicit financial flows (IFF). Fair taxation policies can drive up Africa’s resource envelope. https://t.co/mMKe1YXC9l

[Tax Justice Network Africa @TaxJusticeAfric]

📷ICYMI 📷

“Africa loses billions annually to IFFs, draining at least $88.6 billion that could fund infrastructure and development. Parliamentarians must pass effective laws to address this, focusing on boosting accountability and transparency at the national level.”

Our Executive Council Chairperson, @mballamballa200 , during an interview with @cnbcafrica .

Watch more: https://t.co/Vio3adTCkV

#TaxJusticeAfrica #AfricaAgainstIFFs

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[Timo Voipio @TimoVoipio]

”Journalists can uncover IFFs, tax evasion, tax havens & corruption that drain tax revenues Africa could use to fund health care, education & infra. Africa loses billions annually. Journalists can raise demands for reforms that promote transparent and fair taxation.” 2/2

[Timo Voipio @TimoVoipio]

”Africa needs journalists who can lead conversations on tax justice and illicit financial flows (IFFs). The TJNA training provided African investigative journalists with tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to effectively report on tax justice and IFFs.” 1/2

[Tax Justice Network Africa @TaxJusticeAfric]

🚨 OFF THE PRESS 🚨

“It has been a privilege to witness over 25 African journalists sharpen their skills in promoting equitable global tax rules. This training has deepened their understanding of tax justice and illicit financial flows, which are essential to building a fairer global economic system. They are now better positioned to raise public awareness, demand accountability, and drive change toward a more just and inclusive world.”

TJNA’s Capacity Building Coordinator, Mr. Geoffrey Sirima, in his closing remarks during the closing session of the Tax Justice and IFFs journalist training on 10th April 2025.

Read more: https://t.co/4RbWsIjJSA

#TaxJusticeAfrica #AfricaAgainstIFFs

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[Timo Voipio @TimoVoipio]

3) Capacity & Skills through ATAF tax guidance, briefs, information and training, incl. ATAF’s multilingual Tax Academy;

4) Tax Governance, e.g. ATAF Women in Tax Network, health-tax toolkits, African policy forums and Africa’s collective voice in global tax negotiations. 3/3

[Timo Voipio @TimoVoipio]

Happy to announce that @Ulkoministerio will be partnering over the next 4 years with African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) whose revenue action helps Africa pay for its own development in the future. In 15 years ATAF has already leveraged USD 2.1 billion for Africa. 1/x

[ATAF @ATAFtax]

ATAF launches the Revenue Action for Development in Africa (RADA): a bold initiative unveiled at the FfD4 Conference in Seville, Spain.

Since 2016, ATAF’s work has helped its members secure USD 5.1 billion in additional tax assessments and collect USD 2.1 billion in revenue. RADA aims to double this impact by 2030 through digital innovation, rapid-response support, skills acceleration, and inclusive tax governance. Together, we can transform commitments into impact, financing Africa’s health, education, infrastructure, and climate priorities while reducing debt.

Read the full press release here: https://t.co/8oPXDIFMl5

#ATAF

[Timo Voipio @TimoVoipio]

At the heart of ATAF action are 4 pillars:

1) Digital Tax Infrastructures that give African tax administrations real-time data, analytics and compliance tools.

2) Rapid Response Function by a standing pool of African experts to provide agile support to African countries. 2/x