South Sudan to host 99th East African Revenue Authorities’ Technical Committee in Juba.
By Patricia John
South Sudan is hosting the 99th East African Revenue Authorities’ Technical Committee (EAR-ATC) meeting in Juba, with the aim of addressing challenges hindering revenue mobilization across the region.
Simon Akuei Deng, the Commissioner General for the South Sudan Revenue Authority, stated that the meeting will generate recommendations to close gaps in financial flows and improve tax compliance.
“Cooperation among our revenue authorities is not just beneficial, it is essential. The EAC integration agenda provides us with a strategic platform to harmonize taxes, tax policies, enhance cross-border cooperation, and leverage technologies for efficient revenue administration,” said Deng.
Deng revealed that the recommendations from the meeting will ensure that decisions made by the tax bodies are data-driven, effective, and aligned with the broader economic goals of the EAC community.
He also mentioned that revenue authorities in the region are facing complex challenges in revenue mobilization.
“Together, in unity, we can finance our regional budgets, especially South Sudan, which has had very low non-oil revenue collections for years. With support from our colleagues in the region, we can easily finance our budget,” he said.
Beatus Nchota, the Chairperson of the East African Revenue Authorities’ Technical Committee and Head of delegation for Tanzania Revenue Authority, stated that they will work tirelessly to implement necessary solutions to address existing challenges.
“As the East African region continues to grow, it is imperative that our tax systems evolve to meet the needs of the modern economy. Together, we have the potential to make a lasting impact on tax administration across East Africa,” said Nchota. He added that through their united efforts, they can solve issues hindering shared success.
“Let us work together to create an environment that fosters accountability, transparency, and effective revenue collection, which are vital for the sustainable growth and development of our nations,” he said.
This five-day gathering, under the theme “Compliance for Sustainable Development in the EAC,” marks a vital step in strengthening regional tax administration cooperation within the East African Community (EAC).
