The Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Hon. Yankuba Darboe, has emphasised that the collaboration between the Gambia’s main revenue mobilisation agency and Senegal’s customs administration is not only a necessity and “a strategic imperative for the prosperity” of the two nations, but the wider West Africa sub-region.
The GRA in conjunction with Senegal Customs Administration convened an experts meeting in Banjul on Wednesday as the two customs administrations continued to build upon the momentum being gathered in their collaboration, which was recalibrated last July in the Senegalese capital, Dakar.
The Banjul experts meeting was the sequel to the bilateral meeting that the two revenue administrations held in the Senegalese capital.
CG Darboe described the Banjul meeting as a “critical step in the implementation journey of the resolutions and recommendations that were adopted at our Bilateral Meeting held in July 2024 in Dakar”.
“That meeting set the tone for enhanced collaboration between our two institutions, with the shared objective of improving customs cooperation, facilitating legitimate trade, securing our borders, and fostering economic integration between our two countries,” stated the GRA boss in opening remarks at the experts meeting.
He highlighted the need for coordination of efforts between the customs administrations of The Gambia and Senegal.
“As neighbouring nations with deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that our customs administrations work closely, efficiently, and transparently,” said CG Darboe. “The progress we make through technical discussions such as this will directly impact trade facilitation along our shared borders, reduce bottlenecks, and support the competitiveness of our economies.
“This meeting, therefore, provides a valuable opportunity for our technical teams and key stakeholders to thoroughly review the progress made since July 2024. It is also a time to candidly discuss the challenges encountered, identify areas that require renewed effort, and propose practical solutions for the full and timely implementation of our commitments.”
Darboe commended the working groups and experts from both administrations “who have been instrumental in pushing forward the priority actions agreed in Dakar”.
“I urge you all to maintain this momentum and to use this platform to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation,” he stated, adding, “In particular, I would like to highlight the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders from trade and transport to the private sector in these conversations. Sustainable solutions to trade and customs challenges require a multi-stakeholder approach, and I am encouraged by the presence of officials from the Ministry of Trade, the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Transport Unit, and representatives of the clearing and forwarding community here today.”
He reaffirmed “the commitment of the Gambia Revenue Authority to regional integration, customs modernisation, and international best practices”.
“Our collaboration with Senegal Customs is not only a necessity it is a strategic imperative for the prosperity of our two countries and the broader West African region,” he underlined.
The GRA boss entreated the customs administrations of The Gambia and Senegal to “be guided by the spirit of partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility as we strive to build a more seamless, secure, and efficient trade environment for our peoples”.
