Although administrative tax data is incredibly valuable for researching questions relating to taxation, inequality, and labour markets, it has been virtually unused for research in Africa. In partnering with African revenue authorities, the ICTD has succeeded in working closely with their staff members to access, understand, and analyse their data, producing impactful and pioneering research.
In working with the revenue authorities of Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda, the ICTD has embraced the Institute of Development Studies’ ‘Engaged Excellence’ approach, including its four strategic pillars: co-constructing knowledge, delivering high-quality research, mobilising impact-oriented evidence, and building enduring partnerships. This brief summarises the research projects conducted by the ICTD in partnership with each of the three revenue authorities and concludes with a set of principles for productive partnerships between researchers and practitioners in government agencies.