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BOOK: Taxing Africa: Coercion, Reform and Development

New book on Taxation in Africa by Mick Moore (ICTD), Wilson Prichard (ICTD) and Odd-Helge Fjeldstad (CMI). 

Tax sensitization message in Liberia 

Foto: Abby Flat-Coat/Creative Commons/CC BY 20

Tax sensitization message in Liberia 

Foto: Abby Flat-Coat/Creative Commons/CC BY 20

It has long been debated whether Africa’s lack of growth is best explained by the continent’s exploitation by the global system, or by internal failures of domestic political leadership, and taxation is no different. Some point to a global economic system that undermines Africa’s tax collection through tax havens and evasion by multinational firms and wealthy individuals. Meanwhile, others highlight domestic barriers to effective taxation that are rooted in corruption and the unwillingness or inability of political leaders to take necessary action.

Written by leading international experts, Taxing Africa  moves beyond this polarizing debate, arguing that substantial cultural and political change must come from within African countries themselves. From tackling the collusion of elites with international corporations to enhancing local democratic governance, the book examines the potential for reform, and how it may become a springboard for broader development gains.

Buy the book here

Themes

  • International economics
  • Economic growth
  • Development policy
  • Africa

Fact

  • Odd-Helge Fjeldstad from CMI is a part of the TaxCapDev network 
  • NUPI is coordinating the TaxCapDev network, which brings together Norwegian researchers and experts to strengthen the sharing of knowledge on illicit financial flows, taxation and exploitation of natural resources.