Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and Addis Ababa University jointly organized a half-day panel discussion under the theme ‘I will perform my duty and ask my right’ on 3^rd June, 2019 at EshetuChole Hall. The panel aimed at raising awareness among citizens on tax so as to cultivate taxpaying habits.

Professor TassewWoldehanna, President of Addis Ababa University, noted in his welcoming speech that Ethiopia has envisioned becoming middle class income country by 2025, and that “people should have the knowledge and understanding of tax regulations, and should obey tax obligations”. Professor Tassew added, “taxpayers need to know about taxes in advance so they can fulfil their obligations as needed”.

Her Excellency W/ro Adanech Abebe, Minister of Revenue, on her part, said that having full understanding of tax has proved to bring tax evasion under control, and hence awareness creation becomes key.“Our tradition of paying tax is very poor; with the knowledge and understanding of tax rules, people will be openminded, that taxes are purely used for the needs of the nation and its people. With this understanding, the level of corruption and fraud that may occur can be minimized”, the minister added.

Dr. Samuel Kifle, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, in his key note speech commended the Ministry of Revenue for organizing such program. He also underlined the importance of paying tax as a major state revenue generation.

The event also featured a paper by Dr.Welela Abhode, Lecturer in Tax Administration at Addis Ababa University, on “Taxation: Academic Institution’s Role”. 

In attendance were invited guests, government officials and university community.