Malawian appointed into UN tax committee
Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) director of policy planning and research Waziona Ligomeka has been appointed to the United Nations (UN) Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters for the 2021/25 term.
He joins a team of 24 other experts from across the world appointed by UN Secretary General António Guterres last Wednesday in guiding countries’ efforts to advance stronger and more forward-looking tax policies adapted to the realities of globalised trade and investment, an increasingly digitalised economy and worsening environmental degradation.
In an interview, Ligomeka described his appointment as humbling, having been picked from a list of equally able people.
He said: “This means the country is getting more recognition and being counted as one of the countries that has people who can contribute positively to tax issues affecting both developing and developed countries.
“It is an honour and respect to the country. As an individual, I have boundless gratitude for the confidence placed in me by the country to serve on this position.”
While nominated by their governments, committee members serve in their personal capacity.
In a statement publicised on the UN website, African Tax Administration Forum executive director Logan Wort said the committee has been impressive, technically unpacking salient tax matters and new areas.
Ligomeka previously worked as a special assistant to the Secretary to the Treasury and chief economist at the Ministry of Finance for over 12 years.
The first meeting of the new membership of the committee will take place in October 2021.
