From 17-21 November 2025, ATAF convened Phase II of its Research Methods Training, a programme designed to help tax administrators and policy practitioners transform data into meaningful insights that guide policy. Building on the foundations laid in Phase I, this second phase focuses on deepening technical competence, refining draft research papers, and empowering participants to apply evidence-based approaches within their home administrations.
The programme brought together 94 participants from 17 ATAF member countries to advance the work they began in Phase I, refine their draft research papers, and deepen their mastery of both qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
Over the week, participants embarked on a learning journey that built their confidence, capacity, and analytical depth. The week opened with reflections on their draft research papers and a refresher on key qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
The Research Methods Course is part of ATAF’s broader mandate to help African tax administrations build sustainable technical capacity. By equipping researchers with advanced analytical statistical software for data analysis such as STATA, R, big data techniques, and policy dissemination skills, the programme strengthens the continent’s ability to design, evaluate, and implement equitable tax policies.
Participants leave Phase II prepared not only to complete robust research papers but to also influence policy directions within their administrations. The training’s emphasis on applied learning ensures that the knowledge gained directly translates into better tax policy, enhanced revenue mobilisation, and stronger institutional decision-making across ATAF member states.
