People’s money, their taxes, should be used to fund a system in which this money is used for both social and economic benefit. This can determine the prospects for growth in any country. Mick Moore, Wilson Princhard and Odd-Helge Fjelstad recently unleashed a legendary book, Taxing Africa – “Coercion, Reform and Development” in which they brought out the need and greater chances for development via the proper use of taxation, seen as the price citizens pay for a civilized society. Here is a brief overview of the book:

Taxation has been seen as the domain of charisma-free accountants, lawyers and number crunchers – an unlikely place to encounter big societal questions about democracy, equity or good governance. Yet it is exactly these issues that pervade conversations about taxation among policymakers, tax collectors, civil society activists, journalists and foreign aid donors in Africa today. Tax has become viewed as central to African development.

On November 7, 2018 the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) held a live stream event on the book “Taxing Africa – Coercion, Reform and Development” in which the authors, gave a comprehensive analysis of their most controversial work that addresses the issues of taxation, reforms and development. According to the event description, the book “takes a closer look at the debates on taxation and development in Africa. What are the biggest challenges, and is there a potential for reform?” From the book’s abstract:

Taxation is foundational to the social contract between states and citizens, and central to the processes of state-building and accountable governance. It is also key for increasing equity and financing sustainable development.

The newly published book, Taxing Africa: Coercion, Reform and Development, offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the crucial debates around taxation and development in Africa. Written by leading international experts, it examines issues from tax evasion by multinational corporations and African elites to how ordinary people navigate complex webs of ‘informal’ local taxation, examining the challenges and the potential for reform.

Speakers at the event were:

• Martin Burrows: Research Professor at NUPI
• Sigrid Klæboe Jacobsen: Head of Tax Justice Norway
• Odd-Helge Fjeldstad: Research Professor, Christian Michelsen Institute and Author
• Mick Moore: Political economists and Professor, Institute for Development Studies and Author
• Wilson Prichard: Joint Research Director, International Centre for Tax and Development and Author

The event was presented by Martin Burrows and chaired by Sigrid Klæboe Jacobsen. The video below lasts about an hour and thirty minutes. Take a look!