As 2021 draws to an end, and as we all look forward to the prospects that will come with the new year, I want to use this medium to appreciate every member of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) for the honor and confidence you have reposed in me to lead as the President of our association for the next three years.  

My tenure commences at an uncommon time. The world has spent the last two years battling the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdowns that have weakened economies and affected the capacity of countries to raise revenues for their needs. Most economies have only just begun their economic recovery. Many are still trying to find their way to a place of near-normalcy. Revenue is desperately needed, and the burden of mobilisation is vested in the arms of tax administrators — one that we all carry on our shoulders. 

On the other hand, and accelerated by the pandemic, too, is the rapid transformation of the world of commerce through digitalisation. Transactions are now, more than ever, being conducted in the digital space, where our hitherto tax tools could not comb through to ascertain tax liabilities. With these, new challenges have been posed for us, the tax administrators.   

As we enter the year 2022, and as we project even beyond the coming year, we must appreciate the need to be prepared for the future that is coming on us. Our members and staff must be tooled with the capacity to meet up with the challenges ahead. They must be prepared to think beyond the box for revenue generation and learn to match technology with technology as we face the challenges of taxation of the digital economy.  Our technical trainings must brace members for the transformations in technology especially as it disrupts tax administration.   

The journey ahead requires an arm-in-arm approach. We can go farther and stronger if we work together, share experiences and exchange notes on best practices. Consequently, our individual development rests in us working collectively to achieve the short- and long-term goals that our association has for itself.   

Given the above, I have set out four goals I seek to achieve as President of CATA. They are summarized thus:  

1.   Improved capacity building for member countries; 

2.   Promotion of the Multilateral Commonwealth Income Tax Relief for all member countries; 

3.   Promotion of Bilateral Avoidance of Double Taxation Treaty among member countries; and  

4.  Strategic partnerships with developmental and multilateral institutions for support in capacity building. 

With the collaboration and support of all members, we can achieve these and more.  

 As we look forward to a new year that gives us a new vista of hope and opportunities, I wish us all a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead.