Financing Africa, public finance made easy

MANY people loathe taxation, government spending is never well analysed and state debt is classified as being odd and left to certain people alone to interpret.

Commentary on issues around taxation, its importance and the demand to know how taxpayers’ money is used is also another area, mostly never examined seriously, especially in Africa. In addition to that is a very poor taxation literacy, an issue that will soon be of the past.

Fourteen years is a long time, and that is what took the University of Nairobi’s fiscal law and policy associate professor Attiya Waris to craft a guide on understanding public finances in Africa.

In her recently released book – ‘Financing Africa’ – Waris said the lack of materials on the continent to teach on finance and the lack of knowledge for citizens to understand and participate more effectively with their governments and rulers birthed in her the desire to write about public finance in an African context.

“When I began teaching 15 years ago, I kept looking for a book or text I could use to introduce the area and found that not only was the topic not taught but as a result no matter whom I spoke top, no matter how senior they were, there was a lack of clarity on how the state’s fiscal system was intended to support development and alleviate poverty,” she said.

Warris explained that the book sets out the entirety of government revenues and expenditures, including taxation and debt. She added that it describes diverse approaches that have been adjusted to local circumstances across the continent and reflects on the push to unite and harmonise towards the African Union.

“Using examples from all of Africa’s countries, the book makes fiscal matters real and understandable for people, no matter their field. It demonstrates the importance of fiscal law and policy for development and the impact it has on individuals, communities, nations, regional groupings, and the continent,” Warris said.

She said the book has been written for anyone interested in understanding African fiscal systems.

“It can be read by a 16-year-old student or a technical expert. It will benefit citizens, professionals and even a layperson,” she said.

Warris said the book will also assist those fighting illicit financial flows, in understanding how such a thing happens.

“Africa is rich, yet resources are lost through loopholes in fiscal systems. Financial resources come from the people, are not unlimited, and do not come easily or without cost. Africans must therefore cherish these resources and use them in nation-building and national and regional development. Efficient, effective, transparent and accountable fiscal systems that are fair and just will go a long way toward financing Africa’s development,” she said.

Will Fitzgibbon of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists said the book comes timely.

“As a reporter, I regularly dig into tax avoidance issues and illicit financial flows. Waris’ clear-headed insights are a boon. We non-experts can no longer say, ‘It’s all too complicated’ or ‘I don’t know where to start.’ This book provides resources for journalists to help keep issues of public interest on the front page, “ he said.

The book is available on African Books Collective.