On Tax Efforts and Colonial Heritage in Africa

Thandika Mkandawire 2010

One commonly observed phenomena on taxation in Africa are regional differences and that southern African countries have higher levels of shares of taxation in GDP. Using a panel data framework and dividing colonial Africa along forms of incorporation into the colonial system, this article argues that the major source of differences in ‘tax effort’ is the colonial histories of various countries.

Download Working Paper 2010 no.10

One commonly observed phenomena on taxation in Africa are regional differences and that southern African countries have higher levels of shares of taxation in GDP. Using a panel data framework and dividing colonial Africa along forms of incorporation into the colonial system, this article argues that the major source of differences in ‘tax effort’ is the colonial histories of various countries.

Download Working Paper 2010 no.10