By Digitech Solutions,Sulayman Bah
Copyright foroyaa
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has joined regional peers in Freetown, Sierra Leone, for the 7th West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) High-Level Policy Dialogue and the 21st General Assembly—an annual gathering of tax administrators, policymakers, and development partners shaping the future of taxation across the continent.
The Gambian delegation was led by Mr. Alfusainey K.S. Camara, Vice Chairperson of the GRA Board of Directors, and included Board Member Mr. Pa Dawooda Njie (Girigara), Commissioner General Mr. Yankuba Darboe, Deputy Commissioner General and Head of Domestic Tax Mr. Essa Jallow, Director of Technical Services Mr. Yahya Manneh, Deputy Commissioner for Small and Medium Taxpayers Mr. Maari Sarr, Senior Tax Officer Ms. Awa Saidykhan, and Communications Sub-Officer Mr. Malayn Sanneh.
This year’s dialogue, themed “Financing Development Through Effective Tax Systems,” underscored the pivotal role of taxation in driving national development—funding schools, hospitals, infrastructure, and social protection programs across West Africa.
Speaking at the forum, GRA Commissioner General Darboe painted a candid picture of the challenges facing tax administrations: rampant tax evasion, illicit financial flows, base erosion, and the difficulties of taxing the vast informal economy. Yet, he insisted, these obstacles offer opportunities for collaboration.
“The Gambia Revenue Authority remains committed to fostering regional partnerships, aligning our policies with international standards, and ensuring that our tax system is fair, transparent, and efficient,” Darboe declared.
He stressed the urgent need for harmonized tax policies within ECOWAS and UEMOA, warning that harmful tax competition undermines collective revenue goals. Technology, Darboe added, must be at the heart of reforms—through data analytics, automated systems, and digital payment solutions that reduce administrative burdens and boost compliance.
Regional solidarity, particularly through information-sharing, he emphasized, is vital in confronting cross-border tax evasion and illicit flows that cost Africa billions annually.
Other keynote speakers included Sierra Leone’s Vice President Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh, Finance Minister Mr. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, National Revenue Authority Commissioner General Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura, WATAF Council Chairperson Mrs. Eliane Talato Djiguemde Ouedraogo, and WATAF Executive Secretary Mr. Jules Tapsoba. They all echoed a common message: regional cooperation and South-South collaboration are the keys to Africa’s financial independence and sustainable growth.
