The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) will convene its 8th High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) and 23rd General Assembly in Accra from September 15 to 19, 2026, as the regional tax body marks its 15th anniversary.

Hosted by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the events will bring together Finance Ministers, Commissioners-General and Directors-General of tax administrations, development partners, policymakers, regional organisations, academia, private-sector representatives and international tax experts.

The programme will be held under the theme “Building Stronger Tax Administrations for Revenue Mobilisation and Sustainable Development.”

The High-Level Policy Dialogue is expected to focus on emerging tax policy challenges, digital transformation, domestic revenue mobilisation, environmental fiscal policy, taxpayer compliance, innovation and the future of tax administration in West Africa.

WATAF marks 15 years

The events will also provide an opportunity to reflect on WATAF's 15 years of regional cooperation and capacity building.

Since its establishment in 2011, the Forum says it has trained more than 5,000 tax officials, Commissioners-General, Directors-General and senior tax executives across West Africa.

Between 2024 and mid-2026 alone, WATAF delivered 26 regional training programmes, reaching nearly 2,000 tax officials. In 2025, it trained 907 officials, exceeding its annual target by 58 per cent.

WATAF Executive Secretary, Jules Tapsoba, said the anniversary provides an opportunity to assess the Forum's progress and determine its direction for the future.

“Fifteen years ago, WATAF was established on the belief that stronger cooperation would build stronger tax administrations. Today, that vision is reflected in thousands of tax officials trained, stronger regional partnerships, growing institutional influence and a shared commitment to helping our member countries mobilise the domestic revenues needed for sustainable development.”

GRA to host regional tax leaders

GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong said Ghana was honoured to host the flagship events, describing them as an opportunity to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation and cooperation among tax administrations.

“We look forward to welcoming tax leaders and development partners to Accra for meaningful discussions that will strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, promote innovation and deepen collaboration in building stronger tax administrations across West Africa.”

The 23rd General Assembly will bring together WATAF's 15 member tax administrations to review the Forum's progress, consider strategic priorities and strengthen institutional collaboration.

The week-long programme will also include a Development Partners and Donors Roundtable aimed at expanding technical cooperation in support of tax administration reforms across West Africa.