By 
By Kwanele Dhladhla
Mary Baine, the new Executive Director of the Africa Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), has committed to building fair tax systems across all African countries, including Eswatini.
ATAF said it was pleased to announce that Mary Baine has officially assumed her duties as the new Executive Secretary of the organisation, effective July 1, 2025.
Baine’s appointment was formally announced on 3 June 2025, following a rigorous selection process and broad endorsement from ATAF’s member administrations.
Her assumption of the role marks a new chapter for ATAF as it continues to strengthen fair, efficient, and contextually relevant tax systems across the African continent.
With over two decades of leadership experience in tax policy, international cooperation, and strategic development, Baine brings to the role a deep commitment to domestic resource mobilisation and inclusive economic growth.
Prior to her appointment, she served as ATAF’s Deputy Executive Secretary, where she was instrumental in advancing the organisation’s strategic priorities and deepening multilateral collaboration.
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As Executive Secretary, Baine will lead ATAF in delivering expert technical assistance, capacity-building programmes, and policy support to its 44 member countries.
Her vision emphasises scaling up impact, amplifying Africa’s voice in international tax debates, and ensuring that tax systems support both equity and development.
“We have a shared mission — to build stronger, fairer tax systems that fund Africa’s development,” said Ms. Baine.
“I look forward to deepening our partnerships, driving meaningful reforms, and working with our members to elevate Africa’s tax agenda on the global stage.”
ATAF welcomed Baine to her new role and looks forward to a new era of impact under her leadership.
Baine is a seasoned tax policy expert and public sector leader with over 30 years of experience, including 24 in executive management. She is a founding member of ATAF’s Governing Council and previously served as its Deputy Executive Secretary.
Her distinguished career includes serving as Commissioner General of the Rwanda Revenue Authority and Permanent Secretary in Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In terms of what qualifies her to lead ATAF as Executive Secretary, it was explained that Baine brings a rare blend of technical, strategic, and diplomatic skills. She has a deep knowledge of African and international tax systems, spearheaded reforms adopted in over 35 countries, and has led ATAF tax programmes for the last seven years.
ATAF explained that her immediate priorities as Executive Secretary include strengthening ATAF’s influence in global tax policy and negotiations, deepening support to member countries through tailor-made and evidence-driven technical assistance, together with policy innovation.
She also has a task to enhance financial sustainability and partner engagement while ensuring that ATAF remains responsive to the evolving needs of its members.
ATAF explained that it expects Baine to prioritise technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as solutions for effective tax reforms while strengthening ATAF’s Institutional capacity in line with current growth.
Baine said she envisions ATAF as a member-centric strategic hub of excellence for African tax administrations—a leader in innovation, a defender of African interests in global tax matters, and a driving force for sustainable domestic resource mobilisation across the continent.
RELATED: Eswatini to share tax information with African States in new ATAF system
“ATAF must be a strategic engine for tax reform across the continent. I will focus on continuity, stability, and innovation to ensure Africa’s tax systems are future-ready,” she said.
Baine is known for being strategic, inclusive, empathetic, and results-oriented. She combines high-level vision with practical implementation and is highly respected for empowering teams, promoting good governance, and driving accountability.
Outlining how she plans to address Africa’s role in global tax reform, Baine said, “I committed to ensuring that Africa not only participates in global tax reform discussions but also influences outcomes.
She advocates for fairer tax rules that reflect the interests of developing economies and actively contributes to shaping African positions in international platforms.”
ATAF Executive Secretary Mary Baine’s achievements:
Led legislative and other tax administrative reforms to combat illicit financial flows in 15 countries
Helped increase tax-to-GDP ratios through targeted reforms
Expanded ATAF’s technical support from 9 to 35 countries
Established tax units in 25+ countries (transfer pricing, exchange of information)
Represented Africa in key tax negotiations at the OECD, UN, IMF, etc
Modernised operations at the Rwanda Revenue Authority, exceeding revenue targets
