These pioneering facilities enable researchers to access anonymized administrative tax data in a controlled, secure environment. The labs are transforming how data is used for policy-relevant research across the continent. More and better data fosters a strong research evidence base to answer long-standing policy questions.
UNU-WIDER has supported the formation of three secure research data labs
South Africa | Driving economic insight through the National Treasury Secure Data Facility
The National Treasury Secure Data Facility (NT-SDF) in South Africa exemplifies how secure data access can catalyze economic research and policy innovation. Established in 2014, the facility started with only five datasets. It now includes 29 comprehensive datasets spanning payroll certificates, personal and corporate tax returns, value-added tax, customs, excise duties, third-party financial submissions, and Common Reporting Standards reports. The NT-SDF is collaborating with local government departments to expand its datasets beyond tax data, incorporating additional administrative datasets to strengthen the research evidence base. It was the first facility of its kind in Africa.
Since then, it has attracted hundreds of researchers and produced close to 100 studies on topics such as productivity, inequality, and tax compliance. Its success reflects a tripartite collaboration between the South African National Treasury, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and UNU-WIDER through the SA-TIED programme. The NT-SDF’s rigorous anonymization protocols and structured access procedures ensure both data security and usability.
This facility has become a cornerstone of data-driven policymaking in South Africa, enabling precise, evidence-based responses to complex economic challenges, and a model for the continent.
Uganda | A model for systematic, secure data access
Launched in 2022 by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the Secure Research Lab in Uganda provides researchers with access to high-quality, anonymized tax data, including corporate income tax, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), trade, and registration datasets.
The lab has become a central hub for data access, replacing previous fragmented and unsafe data practices. From just about 5 active users, the Secure Research Data Lab has expanded to over 40 researchers in just three years.
The lab has significantly improved data quality through automated extraction and annual updates, while also ensuring compliance with Uganda’s data protection laws. Researchers now benefit from faster access to data, enabling more timely and impactful research. The URA has redirected all external research collaboration through the lab, streamlining processes and safeguarding sensitive information.
This transformation has also helped URA reclaim control over its data, reducing duplication of effort and freeing up internal resources. By offering a harmonized system for external researchers, the lab supports both academic independence and policy relevance, while maintaining strict data governance.
Zambia | Expanding the frontier of data-driven tax policy
In August 2025, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) launched its own Secure Data Lab, becoming the third country in Africa to host such a facility. Developed with UNU-WIDER’s support, the lab provides secure access to anonymized tax data for local and international researchers.
The ZRA lab is designed to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and improve the quality of public debate on tax matters. It operates under Zambia’s Data Protection Act and a strict Data Governance Framework, ensuring taxpayer confidentiality while enabling impactful research.
The lab also serves as a platform for institutional collaboration and capacity building, with training sessions and masterclasses aimed at local universities and ZRA personnel.
Why secure data labs matter
Secure research data labs are more than technical infrastructure—they are strategic investments in transparency, accountability, and stronger tax systems. By enabling access to high-quality administrative data, these labs:
- Support evidence-based policymaking
- Enhance research quality and relevance
- Foster collaboration between governments and academia
- Strengthen domestic revenue mobilization capacity in the Global South
UNU-WIDER continues to support the development and expansion of secure data facilities, helping partner countries unlock the full potential of their administrative data for better domestic revenue mobilization.
Get Involved
- Researchers interested in accessing data from the above labs should consult the national revenue authority directly. Calls for proposals are periodically announced.
- Revenue authorities wanting to establish a secure lab can reach out to UNU-WIDER for technical assistance, design support, and partnerships.
- Local capacity building opportunities (workshops, training) are supported by UNU-WIDER and partner institutions.
Original post available on UNU-WIDER website.
