The Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Hon. Yankuba Darboe, has recently told the 7th West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) High-Policy Dialogue that “taxation remains the backbone of national development, providing the resources necessary for health, education, infrastructure, and social protection”.
The 7th WATAF High-Level Policy Dialogue, hosted by the Sierra Leone Revenue Authority, which brought together commissioner generals/directors, deputy commissioner generals/ deputy director generals, board members of the various revenue administrations, cabinet ministers, among others, was themed:”Financing Development Through Effective Tax Systems”.
According to CG Darboe in his address to the participants,the theme of this year’s forum “resonates deeply with the core mandate of our respective institutions”. “Taxation remains the backbone of national development, providing the resources necessary for health, education, infrastructure, and social protection. In the context of West Africa, where economic growth is both promising and challenged by various factors, the need to optimize our tax systems has never been more critical,”the GRA boss underscored.
“As tax administrators, we face common challenges such as tax evasion, tax base erosion, and the informal economy’s complexity. However, these challenges also present opportunities for regional collaboration. Sharing best practices, innovative approaches, and leveraging technology can enhance our collective capacity to mobilize revenue effectively,” the GRA boss explained.
He stated that the GRA remains committed to fostering regional partnerships, aligning its policies with international standards, and ensuring that Authority’s tax systems are fair, transparent, and efficient.
“We believe that harmonization of tax policies within ECOWAS and UEMOA frameworks can significantly improve revenue mobilization and reduce harmful tax competition,” he stated.
CG Darboe noted that “in this digital age, technology is a catalyst for reform”. He added: “The adoption of advanced data analytics, digital payment solutions, and automated systems can improve compliance, reduce administrative costs, and enhance taxpayer services.” “Cross-border cooperation facilitated by shared data and information exchange, is essential to combat tax evasion and illicit financial flows.”
The head of the Gambia’s main revenue collection agency pointed out that “an effective tax system must also be equitable and inclusive, ensuring that all segments of society contribute their fair share and benefit from development”. “Addressing issues of tax fairness will foster social cohesion and enhance voluntary compliance,” he emphasised.
“As we reflect on our progress and set goals for the future, I urge all participants to strengthen our resolve towards building resilience, modern, and sustainable tax systems. Our efforts must be guided by principles of transparency, integrity, and commitment to development.”
He concluded:”I commend the organizers for bringing us together, and I look forward to fruitful discussions that will lead to actionable strategies. Let us work collectively, inspired by our shared vision, to harness our tax systems as vital instruments for financing the development our countries deserve.”
