05 November, 2026
The Tax Revenue Imperative: Africa’s Path to Financing Its Own Development.
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) joined tax administrators from across Africa in Cairo, Egypt, for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), held from 1 to 5 November 2026, under the theme: “The Tax Revenue Imperative: Africa’s Path to Financing Its Own Development.”
The meetings brought together 460 participants representing 38 ATAF member states, development partners, regional organisations, academia, civil society and the private sector to deliberate on strategies for strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation and advancing Africa’s financial self-reliance.
Hon. Seedy M.K Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Gambia was invited to the event as a keynote speaker. He addressed the gathering on "The Compromiso de Sevilla: An Africa Audit on a Global Compact. Minister Keita emphasized the importance of translating the commitments made in Sevilla into meaningful results by nationalizing our reforms.
The GRA delegation was led by the Commissioner General, Yankuba Darboe, who participated in a panel discussion on Domestic Resource Mobilisation. The discussion highlighted the importance of adopting tax reforms that are responsive to the economic structures, institutional capacities and development priorities of individual African countries. The importance of national ownership and political support in driving sustainable reforms also featured prominently.
During the discussion, Commissioner General, Yankuba Darboe shared The Gambia’s experience in implementing complementary reforms to strengthen revenue administration. He highlighted the modernisation of customs operations through ASYCUDA World, the National Single Window and Electronic Cargo Tracking, as well as plans to modernise domestic tax administration through the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).
He also highlighted partnerships supporting the implementation of digital excise stamps, fuel marking and telecommunications revenue assurance initiatives. These interventions have improved visibility over taxable activities, strengthened verification processes and helped address revenue leakages.
The Commissioner General, Yankuba Darboe further emphasised the importance of properly sequencing reforms, preparing staff and taxpayers for implementation, aligning development partner support with national priorities and ensuring that reforms deliver measurable results.
A major highlight of the meetings was the 9th ATAF General Assembly, held on 4 November 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, which elected a new Council to serve for the 2026–2028 term.
The Gambia was elected as a member of the ATAF Council, marking an important milestone in the country's engagement with the continental tax administration body and providing an opportunity to contribute to its strategic direction and priorities.
The composition of the ATAF Council for the 2026–2028 term includes:
1. Namibia – Chairperson: Mr Sam Shivute
2. Zimbabwe – Vice Chairperson: Ms Regina Chinamasa
3. South Africa – Council Member: Dr Johnstone Makhubu
4. The Gambia – Council Member: Mr Yankuba Darboe
5. Benin - Council Member: Mr Erick Maxime Mensah Akakpo-Djihountry
6. Egypt - Council Member: Dr Rasha Abdel Aal
7. Zambia - Council Member: Mr Dingani Banda
8. Gabon - Council Member: Ms Edith Laure Oyaya- Mbiguidi
9. Tanzania - Council Member: Mr Yusup Juma Mwenda
10. Mauritius - Council Member: Mr Rohit Ramnawaz
11. ATAF - Ex officio Member: Ms Mary Baine, Executive Secretary
The ATAF Council will provide strategic leadership and guidance to ATAF, while supporting efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, improve tax administration and enhance international tax cooperation across Africa.
The Gambia's election to the Council reflects its continued participation in continental efforts to build stronger, more efficient and sustainable revenue administrations in support of Africa's development financing ambitions.