ATAF and GIZ brought together 21 tax officials from 10 African countries in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 18 to 29 May 2026 for the pilot delivery of two specialised training programmes on Beneficial Ownership (BO) and Exchange of Information (EOI).
The pilot formed part of the validation of two newly developed ATAF training manuals, prepared with support from GIZ, ahead of their wider rollout through the ATAF Tax Academy.
The programme focused on translating international tax transparency standards into practical administrative action. Participants explored how beneficial ownership information can be effectively used in audits, risk assessments, and investigations, while also strengthening their understanding of exchange of information processes, cross-border cooperation, and the management of confidential taxpayer information.
Through simulations, case studies, peer learning, and practitioner feedback, participants not only enhanced their technical knowledge but also helped refine the training materials to ensure they are practical, relevant, and responsive to the operational realities of African tax administrations.
The initiative was delivered under the Multi-Donor Action on Combatting Illicit Financial Flows in Africa (MDA), co-financed by the European Union, Finland, and Germany, and implemented by GIZ.
