Egypt continues to strengthen its role in regional tax development while reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accuracy in fiscal policy. During a recent visit by a delegation from the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) to the Tax Training Center in Maadi, Rasha Abdel Aal, Chairperson of the Egyptian Tax Authority, emphasized Egypt’s dedication to international cooperation, capacity building, and embracing global best practices in tax administration.
Strategic Engagement with ATAF
Welcoming the ATAF delegation, Abdel Aal highlighted the visit as a milestone in reinforcing Egypt’s strategic partnerships across Africa. She underscored the Tax Authority’s priority in developing highly skilled tax professionals through modern training programs that integrate both digital systems and legislative frameworks.
The ATAF delegation toured the fully modernized Maadi Training Center, which features:
- Advanced training halls
- State-of-the-art computer labs
- A 250-seat conference auditorium
- A comprehensive library and e-library
- On-site accommodation and high-quality hospitality services
Founded in 1999, the center delivers approximately 3,000 training sessions and workshops annually, covering both technical tax areas and general skills, under an approved plan by Egypt’s Central Agency for Organization and Administration. Abdel Aal noted the center’s recent upgrades in infrastructure, technology, and training methodologies, ensuring it meets international standards.
She also pointed to strong local and international partnerships with organizations such as the OECD, United Nations, and Arab Tax Experts Union, as well as Egyptian institutions including Nasser Military Academy and Taiba Academy, positioning the center as a regional hub for knowledge exchange.
The ATAF delegation expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and the center’s capabilities, describing it as a model institution that could significantly contribute to building tax capacity across Africa. They also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with the Egyptian Tax Authority.
Executive Regulation on Crude Oil VAT Coming Soon
Separately, the Egyptian Tax Authority categorically denied claims of a dispute between the government and oil companies over the application of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on crude oil.
The Authority confirmed:
- There is no disagreement on the VAT policy.
- The law is clear and has been fully agreed upon by all stakeholders.
- The executive regulation will be issued soon to further clarify procedures.
It clarified that the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) is the sole purchaser of crude oil in Egypt and is responsible for paying the 10% VAT, whether the crude oil is locally produced or imported.
Crucially, the Authority emphasized that:
- The VAT applies only to crude oil, not to refined petroleum products.
- This will not affect retail fuel prices in the local market.
It was also explained that the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) is the sole purchaser of crude oil in Egypt and is therefore responsible for paying the 10% VAT, regardless of whether the oil is domestic or imported.
The statement reaffirmed that this VAT policy does not apply to petroleum products, and will not affect fuel prices in the local market.
