Opening Speech by Danicius KaihennehSengbeh, Chairman of ATMEN at the Workshop for Exchange between Communication Officers of African Tax Administrations and Journalists, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, February 11-12, 2025 The Honorable General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) of Burkina Faso, Esteemed Representatives of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), Distinguished Journalists and Communication Officers, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is with profound honor and immense gratitude that I stand before you today, on behalf of the African Tax Media Network (ATMEN), at this historic gathering—an event that represents not just a workshop, but a defining moment in our collective pursuit of truth, accountability, and the African tax narrative. Today, in Ouagadougou, we are not merely participants at a meeting; we are part of a movement. A movement to amplify the role of journalism in taxation, to bridge the divide between tax administrations and the media, and to ensure that African voices tell Africa’s tax story from an African perspective. This mission is urgent, and it is vital. As journalists, communicators, and advocates of tax justice, we are the messengers of change. Our pens, microphones, and cameras are not just tools; they are instruments of empowerment, fostering understanding between tax authorities and the citizens they serve. We recognize that tax is not just about numbers—it is about the lifeblood of our economies, the foundation of our infrastructure, and the catalyst for the Africa we all dream of. Taxation is the lifeblood of any nation’s development, and our role in shaping the public’s perception of tax policies, reforms, and obligations cannot be overstated. The Journey of ATMEN – A Testament of Collaboration
ATMEN was not born out of convenience. It was born out of necessity. In 2018, when over 70 journalists and communication officers met in Johannesburg under the auspices of ATAF, we saw the need for tax issues to be placed at the heart of media discussions. A year later, in Kigali, we reinforced that belief. It was there that ATMEN took its first breath, an idea ignited by the shared commitment of journalists and tax communicators who understood that Africa’s tax narrative needed to be told by those who understood it best—Africans. But let us be clear: had ATAF not sponsored those engagements, had they not believed in the power of media in tax communication, ATMEN would not exist. Just as without their continued support, many of us might never have had the opportunity to sit in this room today, building a united front in telling Africa’s tax story with credibility and authority. Between 2019 and 2023, ATMEN existed as a dream—an idea yearning for breath. And in 2023, when ATAF reignited its commitment, when voices like Refwileand Ziggy and others at the ATAF Communications Team brought new energy, that dream became a living reality. It led to ATMEN’s invitation to the ATAF Annual Meetings in South Africa in 2023 and Rwanda in 2024, where we reported, engaged, and published over 80 tax-related articles across various platforms. A website was built, a Facebook page activated, a draft constitution written, and an interim leadership structure established. My friends, ATMEN is not just alive—it is thriving. Where Do We Go from Here? The journey ahead is not one of ease, but of purpose. Our task is clear: to build ATMEN into a formidable network of African journalists and tax communicators who will drive conversations around taxation, domestic resource mobilization, and economic justice. This means we must commit to:
Strengthening the collaboration between tax administrations and the media to enhance public understanding of taxation. Expanding ATMEN’s membership across the continent, ensuring inclusivity in language, region, and gender representation. Driving investigative and impactful reporting that challenges misinformation and promotes transparency. Establishing ATMEN as the go-to media platform for tax communication in Africa, a trusted bridge between governments and citizens. Ladies and gentlemen, the work we do is not just about taxes—it is about the future of Africa. It is about ensuring that taxation is understood as a tool for development, not a burden. It is about accountability, economic independence, and fostering trust between governments and the governed – the social contract. A Call to Action Your presence here today is more than just attendance. It is a commitment to ATMEN’s ideal: a united network of African journalists and tax communicators advocating for tax justice and transparency. It is a pledge to ATMEN’s mission: empowering African journalists to shape the tax narrative through impactful storytelling. It is a manifestation of ATMEN’s vision: a continent where tax journalism drives informed, transparent, and inclusive tax policies for sustainable development. Let this gathering in Ouagadougou not just be another meeting. Let it be a defining moment—a turning point where we, as a collective force, solidify our resolve to tell the African tax story until we can no longer write, post, or broadcast. Let us leave here with a Burkina Faso Accord—one that binds us to a future of journalistic excellence, unwavering advocacy, and an unbreakable commitment to truth.
On behalf of ATMEN, I extend our deepest appreciation to ATAF for its unwavering support. To the Government of Burkina Faso and the Directorate of Taxes, thank you for hosting us in this beautiful land. And to all of you, my colleagues and partners in the media, thank you for your dedication, your presence, and your belief in this mission. The journey continues, and we must walk it together. The African tax story must be told—accurately, fairly, and powerfully. Let us rise to this calling. Thank you.
Merci ATAF,
Merci Burkina Faso,
Et Bienvenue Mes Bons Amis
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