Commissioner General of Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Yankuba Darboe has urged member countries of West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) to share best practices, embrace innovation, and leverage technology to enhance their collective capacity for effective revenue mobilization.
He made these remarks at the 7th Edition of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) High-Level Policy Dialogue and 21st General Assembly Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The delegation led by the Vice Board Chairperson of the GRA Board of Directors, Mr.Alfusainey K.S Camara included board member Mr. Pa Dawooda Njie, 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 Small and Medium Tax Payers Mr. Maari Sarr, Senior Tax Officer Ms. Awa Saidykhan and Mr Malayn Sanneh Communications Sub Officer II.
The annual event attracted tax experts, stakeholders, policymakers and development or donor partners to share experiences and insights on pressing tax and development issues.
The theme of this year’s high-level policy dialogue, “Financing Development Through Effective Tax Systems,” resonates with the core mandates of all participating institutions. Taxation remains the backbone of national development, providing essential resources for health, education, infrastructure, and social protection.
In his statement, Commissioner General, of GRA, Yankuba Darboe, highlighted common challenges faced by tax administrations, including tax evasion, base erosion, and the complexity of the informal economy. He observed that these challenges also present opportunities for regional 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,” he stated.
He said harmonizing tax policies within the ECOWAS and UEMOA frameworks could significantly boost revenue mobilization while reducing harmful tax competition.
Darboe described technology as a key driver of reform in the digital age, adding that the adoption of advanced data analysis, digital payment solutions, and automated systems can improve compliance, reduce administrative costs, and enhance taxpayer services.
He underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation, facilitated through data sharing and information exchange, in tackling tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Darboe called on participants to strengthen their resolve in building resilient, modern, and sustainable tax systems guided by transparency, integrity, and a strong commitment to development.
Other speakers included the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone Mrs Jeneba J Bangura, Chairperson of WATAF Council Mrs Eliane Talato Djiguemde Ouedraogo, the Executive Secretary of WATAF Mr Jules Tapsoba, the Honourable Minister of Finance of Sierra Leone Mr Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura and the Honourable Vice President of Sierra Leone Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh.
They all echoed similar sentiments, urging member states to deepen cooperation and promote South-South collaboration for Africa’s collective growth and development.
