Progress report on the establisment of the secretariat of the association of african tax administrators (AATA)

Abstract

The progress report outlines the efforts and challenges encountered in establishing the Permanent Secretariat of the Association of African Tax Administrators (AATA). Following the Fourth General Assembly’s resolution in Algiers (March 1986), negotiations were initiated with Ethiopia, the designated host country, regarding the provision of office accommodations and logistical support. However, the Ethiopian government declined the proposed terms, citing policy constraints on offering free facilities to international organizations. The absence of a functional Secretariat has hindered AATA’s operations, contributing to the withdrawal of some member states. With the Fifth General Assembly approaching, the interim Secretariat proposes renewed engagement with Ethiopian authorities to expedite the Secretariat’s establishment, emphasizing its critical role in supporting Africa’s economic recovery programs.