Regional tax leaders from East Africa recently gathered at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda for the 53rd East African Revenue Authorities Commissioners General (EARACG) Meeting to explore new strategies for boosting revenue mobilization through technology, combating tax fraud, and enhancing regional cooperation.
The two-days meeting held under the theme “Leveraging Digital Innovation and Regional Collaboration to Facilitate Trade and Optimize Revenue Mobilization,” aims to address key challenges and opportunities in revenue administration.
In his remarks, the Commissioner General of Rwanda Revenue Authority, Ronald Niwenshuti emphasized that the EAC revenue administrations’ work will continue to focus on the policies and practices across the region to ensure that harmful competition is reduced and fairness is ensured, but also be able to strengthen cross-border enforcement to tackle smuggling and other illicit activities.
Abel Kagumire, representing the URA Commissioner General, and Commissioner for Executive Office Operations, highlighted the meeting as an opportunity for sharing ideas with regional counterparts.
“This gathering goes beyond routine discussions,” he said. “It’s a strategic chance to assess our collective progress, exchange knowledge, and reaffirm our shared commitment to building modern, efficient, and people-centered tax administrations.” He further emphasized that the role of Revenue Authorities extends far beyond just collecting taxes, positioning them as key enablers of national development, protectors of fiscal integrity, and essential partners in the region’s transformation.
Ronald Niwenshuti, the Commissioner General of Rwanda Revenue Authority and Chairperson of the EARACG, expressed his appreciation for the ongoing dedication of regional leaders to strengthen collaboration in revenue administration.
The EARACG is a biannual event that gathers tax leaders from all East African Community (EAC) member countries to share best practices, discuss common challenges, and devise solutions to improve revenue administration across the region.
The meeting in Kigali brought together Commissioners General from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Zanzibar, South Sudan, and Burundi. It will conclude today with the signing of a Joint Communiqué outlining resolutions and commitments to tackle the region’s shared challenges.
