Developments In Exchange Of Information In Tax Matters Within SADC: A Move Towards Tackling Tax Fraud In Southern Africa

Abstract

In recent years around the world, it is apparent that the need for mutual assistance between states is increasing and gaining support. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been in the lead of this effort. This approach has also been prevalent in Africa, particularly in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which is viewed in the context of strengthening economic integration and cooperation in the region. Recently, there has been extensive commitment by many jurisdictions around the world to eradicate problems to the exchange of information in tax matters by approving and supporting the international standard on transparency and exchange of information. The regional organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa have engaged in new trends in tax policy and administration. This has seen the adoption of agreements to regulate exchange of information in tax matters which is the subject of the present enquiry.