Lyla Latif is redefining what it means to be a global authority on fiscal policy, economic governance, and legal reform. A seasoned lawyer, academic, and policy strategist, she applies her command of comparative law and public finance to some of the world’s most pressing challenges—from dismantling illicit financial flows to innovating inclusive taxation regimes for emerging digital economies.
Latif’s portfolio spans multiple continents, each engagement strengthening her belief that local realities and global frameworks can—and must—coalesce. Early in her career, she spearheaded a historic overhaul of Kenya’s colonial-era land laws, helping to set the tone for a career grounded in rights-based, forward-thinking policy. Later, she pioneered Africa’s first anti–illicit financial flows policy tracker, equipping governments with the tools to safeguard their tax bases and fortify their fiscal space. Through appointments with the United Nations Development Programme, she shaped protective tax legislation for Somalia, informed the rebuilding of Iraq’s fiscal architecture, and contributed to Egypt’s national tax policy. In Lebanon, she advised on taxing the digital economy, ensuring the country’s regulations keep pace with a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Education
- PhD in Wealth Taxation and Public Health Financing (Cardiff University, UK)
- LLM in Public Finance and Financial Services Law (University of Nairobi, Kenya)
- MA in Development and Governance (University of Duisburg Essen, Germany)
- LLB first class honours (University of Nairobi, Kenya), and
- Certifications in International Taxation (University of Münster, Germany)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Law (Kenya School of Law)
Her influence does not stop at legal texts and government corridors. Latif’s work with Kenya’s Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy guides national frameworks for emerging technologies and data governance—issues that increasingly define global economic competitiveness. In Uzbekistan, she has supported the integration of Islamic financial instruments to bolster domestic capital markets, demonstrating her versatility in navigating complex financial ecosystems. Beyond these landmark initiatives, Latif’s dedication to strengthening institutional capacity and fostering informed discourse is evident in her extensive training engagements. She has trained tax administrations, parliamentarians, ministries of finance, civil society organisations, trade unions, and journalists across Eswatini, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Djibouti, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Bhutan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Togo, Seychelles, Namibia, Botswana, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and China—helping to build robust networks of expertise and trust across diverse jurisdictions. In recognition of her unparalleled insights, the Revenue Appeals Tribunal of Eswatini (RATE) has engaged Latif as their in-house expert counsel, entrusting her to guide them through complex international tax disputes.
Lyla Latif’s thought leadership is both accessible and resonant. She has delivered sought-after lectures at Bhutan’s prestigious JSW Law School and created a TED-Ed animation that has reached over 510,000 viewers worldwide. Sharing the stage with Sir Martin Evans, the first Nobel laureate in physiology from the United Kingdom, she powerfully articulated how illicit financial flows undermine public institutions and exacerbate socio-economic hardship—reminding us that policy is not merely technical, but deeply moral. Recognised by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria for her contributions to tax scholarship, Latif stands among a new vanguard of experts reshaping the global fiscal narrative. Currently collaborating with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa, she continues to operate at the confluence of fiscal justice and democratic values—where visionary thinking informs bold policy action.
Most recently, the Global Fund for a New Economy, in partnership with the Kenya Comms Hub, has expressed keen interest in supporting Latif’s visibility through their new progressive economics communications initiative. With a focus on Kenya’s tax crisis, the rising cost of living, and the climate crisis, this collaboration promises to amplify Latif’s impact through a dedicated spokesperson network committed to economic justice.
Board Member
Tax Justice Network (UK)
Technical Expert
UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub
Founder and Principal Advocate,
Lai'Latif & Co Consulting
Expert,
Africa Knowledge Hub, UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa
Advisory Board Member
International Lawyers Project
Board Member
Tax Law Committee, EALS
Member
Tax Law Committee, Law Society of Kenya
Legal Expert & Legislative Draftsperson
Taskforce Member on Emerging Technologies and Public Data Governance
In- House Expert
Revenue Appeals Tribunal Eswatini
Expert Adviser,
Lech Walesa, Former President of Poland and Nobel Laureate
