By: Binta Jaiteh
Yankuba Darboe, Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), has emphasized that taxation remains the backbone of national development, providing essential resources for health, education, infrastructure, and social protection.
Commissioner Darboe made this remark at the 7th West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), held in Sierra Leone.
He said this year’s theme – “Financing Development Through Effective Tax Systems” aligns closely with the core mandate of tax institutions across the region. In West Africa, where economic growth shows promise but faces persistent challenges, optimizing tax systems has become more critical than ever.
“As tax administrators, we face common challenges such as tax evasion, tax base erosion, and the complexity of the informal economy,” CG Darboe stated.
However, he also noted that these challenges offer opportunities for regional cooperation. “Sharing best practices, innovative approaches, and leveraging technology can enhance our collective capacity to mobilize revenue effectively,” he said.
Darboe reaffirmed GRA’s commitment to fostering regional partnerships, aligning national policies with international standards, and ensuring tax systems are fair, transparent, and efficient. He added that harmonizing tax policies within ECOWAS and UEMOA frameworks can significantly boost revenue mobilization and curb harmful tax competition.
“In this digital age, technology is a catalyst for reform. The adoption of advanced data analytics, digital payment solutions, and automated systems can improve compliance, reduce administrative costs, and enhance taxpayer services,” he explained. Cross-border cooperation, driven by data sharing and information exchange, is also vital in combating tax evasion and illicit financial flows, he added.
Darboe further stressed the importance of equity and inclusivity in taxation, noting that effective tax systems must ensure all segments of society contribute fairly and benefit equally from national development.
He concluded by thanking the National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone for hosting the event and commended all participants for their commitment to building robust, sustainable tax systems across the region.
Post Views: 62
