Financing Africa

by Attiya Waris

Financing Africa’s development requires
ingenuity, discipline, and an understanding of fiscal systems – the
entirety of government revenues and expenditures, including taxation and
debt. This book makes fascinating what might seem at first glance
complex. It describes diverse approaches that have been adjusted to
local circumstances across the continent and reflects on the push to
unite and harmonise toward African union.

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.

Using examples from all of Africa’s 54 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.

£44.00

About the author

Attiya Waris

Attiya Waris is the only Professor of Fiscal Law and Policy in East
Africa. She teachers at the University of Nairobi where she chairs the
Fiscal Studies Committee, at the University of Rwanda, and at the Centre
for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. She is an Observer to
the UN Tax Committee.

Review

“Professor
Waris’ work on fiscal and tax issues in Africa is a serious and helpful
contribution. The subject is complex, but the book succeeds in
presenting a clear, readable and interesting analysis.”

Mohammed “Mo” Ibrahim, Founder, Mo Ibrahim Foundation

“As a reporter, I regularly dig into tax avoidance issues and
illicit financial flows. Professor Waris’ clearheaded insights are a
boon. We nonexperts 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.”

Will Fitzgibbon, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists

“Her analysis includes aspirational and profound citations and
insights from African cultures. It will help us chart Africa’s future
taxation path and, by extension, reduce inequalities across the
continent. Her book is indeed a thinking mechanism that Africa
desperately needs.”

Memory Kachambwa, Executive Director, African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET)

“This is an incredibly important book from one of the leading
authors on Africa and taxation. Supported by a granular and insightful
analysis of Africa’s 54 countries, this book is required reading for all
those interested in taxation and sustainability. This is an exciting
contribution, and strongly recommended.”

Prof. Ann Mumford, Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London