In a conversation with Prof. Odhiambo of the East African Tax and Governance Network, Professor Attiya Waris, a renowned expert in international taxation and human rights, shared profound insights on her groundbreaking book "Financing Africa" and her current role as an independent expert for the United Nations.
Prof. Waris's book, published in 2019, represents a 15-year journey to comprehensively map out the African continent's financial landscape. She emphasized the importance of proving that Africa is indeed "mappable" in terms of financial data, challenging the long-standing notion that the continent's economies were too complex or opaque to analyze effectively. This work stands as the first of its kind globally, offering a clear picture of Africa's financial realities and making complex financial concepts accessible through the use of African proverbs and cultural connections.
The discussion delved into the impact of digitization on taxation and revenue collection in Africa. Prof. Waris highlighted both the benefits and challenges of the digital era, noting that while information flows more freely, the digital divide still excludes many from participating fully in civic processes. She expressed particular concern about how digitization enables wealthy individuals and corporations to exploit financial loopholes, potentially shifting the tax burden unfairly onto middle and lower-income groups.
Currently serving as an independent expert for the United Nations, Prof. Waris outlined her mandate's focus on exploring the connections between debt, tax, illicit financial flows, and their impact on individuals. Her work extends to examining conflict-prone countries and the financial implications of militarization on development and human rights. Despite facing challenges from those who contest the necessity of her mandate, Prof. Waris remains committed to fostering crucial conversations about global financial decisions and their real-world consequences.
Prof. Waris's insights underscore the critical need for fair and transparent financial systems in Africa and globally. Her work not only contributes to academic understanding but also has significant implications for policy-making and governance. As she continues her mandate, the global community can anticipate further revelations and discussions that bridge the gap between complex financial mechanisms and their impact on human lives.
This enlightening dialogue exemplifys the Faculty of Law, dedication to nurturing thought leadership in crucial domains of international law, finance, and human rights. Prof. Waris's groundbreaking research and expertise underscores the institution's unwavering commitment to generating scholarship that tackles pressing global issues, further cementing its reputation as a center of excellence in addressing complex international challenges.
