Discussions at the 15th Annual Tax Convention have centred on translating tax law into practical, workable compliance solutions, with Value Added Tax emerging as a key focus in efforts to strengthen Rwanda’s revenue systems while improving certainty for businesses.
Held under the theme “From Law to Practice: Building Hands-on Tax Competence for Real Impact,” the convention brought together tax administrators, policymakers, and private sector practitioners to address persistent gaps between tax regulation and day-to-day implementation, particularly in VAT administration.
Victor Uwayezu, Director of Domestic Taxes Filing and Payment at the Rwanda Revenue Authority, said VAT compliance remains the foundation of fair taxation and sustainable domestic revenue. He warned that weaknesses in compliance directly undermine both revenue collection and business confidence.
Uwayezu highlighted several practical challenges affecting VAT compliance, including low uptake of Electronic Billing Machines, risks associated with VAT non-filing, difficulties in import VAT declarations, complexities in the treatment of petroleum VAT, and delays in VAT registration and the correct application of filing periods.
He noted that these issues have real economic consequences, especially in high-impact sectors.
He stressed that unresolved VAT controversies in the transportation and fuel sectors pose broader risks to economic stability, given their central role in national production and distribution chains.
According to Uwayezu, clarity, consistency, and timely compliance in these sectors are critical for both revenue protection and market stability.
The technical discussions were guided by Paul Frobisher Mugambwa, Head of Tax and Fiscal Policy at PwC Rwanda, who focused on practical approaches to resolving VAT disputes and aligning business operations with regulatory expectations.
Drawing on policy interpretation and real-world experience, Mugambwa emphasized the importance of predictable and consistent VAT treatment in enabling effective business planning and reducing disputes.
Participants noted that the convention is helping bridge the gap between regulation and practice by promoting shared understanding of VAT rules, strengthening compliance, and addressing systemic challenges such as EBM usage and filing procedures.
The discussions also highlighted the role of practical guidance in improving revenue mobilisation while easing compliance for businesses that meet their tax obligations.
As the convention continues, its emphasis on hands-on tax competence is reinforcing a common objective among stakeholders: transforming tax law into effective practice that supports Rwanda’s economic growth, strengthens domestic revenue, and enhances the overall business environment.
