Boston University School of Law, Redstone Room 10th Floor
April 15th, 2025
12:30 – 1:30pm Lunch
1:30 -2:30pm Presentation
Please join us on April 15th for a presentation from Dr. Lyla Latif from the University of Nairobi, who will be presenting “A Critical Discussion on Technology, AI, and Digitalisation in Reconstructing Fiscal Institutions Beyond Colonial Legacies.” Lunch will be served from 12:30 – 1:30pm, and the talk will begin at 1:30pm.
Please note, that due to room capacity, we are limiting attendance to the first 20 registrants. Thank you for your understanding!
This paper examines how technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and digitalization has the potential to reform fiscal institutions that are still rooted in colonial-era paradigms. It argues that the traditional tax frameworks that have been designed to support resource extraction and control, are ill-equipped to capture the intangible value generated by digital economies. By focusing on Africa, the study highlights how colonial taxation legacies continue to undermine fiscal sovereignty and exacerbate structural inequalities. It critiques conventional concepts such as permanent establishment and transfer pricing, which arguably fail to address modern challenges that are posed by digital services and data-driven transactions. The paper further explores how AI and digital tools can enhance tax administration and reduce profit shifting by multinational corporations, while cautioning against the risks of digital colonialism. The study concludes by recommending for a decolonial approach to fiscal policy that supports equitable wealth distribution and genuine economic sovereignty in the digital age.
Boston University strives to be accessible, inclusive and diverse in our facilities, programming and academic offerings. Your experience in this event is important to us. If you have a disability (including but not limited to learning or attention, mental health, concussion, vision, mobility, hearing, physical or other health related), require communication access services for the deaf or hard of hearing, or believe that you require a reasonable accommodation for another reason please contact Elizabeth Clancey (lawevent@bu.edu), please note that the Office of Disability Services requests 10 days notice to provide services.
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