26 September, 2024
GRA and Ministry of Trade Collaborate to Advance AfCFTA Implementation in The Gambia
Today, September 24, 2024, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), led by its Commissioner General, Mr. Yankuba Darboe, participated in a sensitisation workshop on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The event, hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, was held at Bakadaji Hotel, focusing on the benefits and implementation of AfCFTA in The Gambia.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Darboe expressed his gratitude to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Mr. Dampha, for the Ministry's continuous collaboration with the GRA. He emphasized how this partnership was essential for successfully implementing AfCFTA in The Gambia. "The Ministry's dedication in working hand-in-hand with the GRA is a testament to our shared goal of fostering economic integration," Mr. Darboe remarked.
The AfCFTA, a key initiative under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aims to establish a single, unified market for goods and services across the continent. By reducing tariffs and other trade barriers, the agreement seeks to promote intra-African trade, drive economic growth, and improve the competitiveness of African countries on the global stage.
Mr. Darboe also highlighted that the success of AfCFTA goes beyond GRA and Ministry of Trade. He emphasized the critical role of other stakeholders such as the Gambia Police Force and the Immigration Department in facilitating the free movement of people and goods, a key component of the agreement. By ensuring secure and efficient borders, these agencies contribute significantly to the smooth implementation of the AfCFTA framework, enhancing cross-border trade and regional integration.
The GRA’s involvement in the workshop highlighted its key role in adapting customs procedures and policies to align with the new regional framework, ensuring that The Gambia fully benefits from the economic opportunities created by AfCFTA. Collaboration with other enforcement and border control agencies will also be crucial to meeting AfCFTA's goals.
Throughout the workshop, participants discussed strategies to maximize the agreement's impact on local businesses and trade networks. The GRA’s senior staff, alongside key stakeholders including the Police and Immigration authorities, engaged in meaningful dialogue on how to best prepare for the increased trade flows and economic shifts that AfCFTA is expected to bring to The Gambia. Their role in ensuring safe and streamlined border management is pivotal in realizing the full potential of AfCFTA.
With the GRA, the Ministry of Trade, and other key stakeholders working closely together, The Gambia is well-positioned to play a significant role in advancing the goals of AfCFTA, moving toward a more integrated and competitive Africa.
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is pleased to announce the attendance of its top officials at the second International Monetary Fund (IMF) - AFRITAC WEST 2 Regional Leadership Forum, which convened leaders from Anglophone West Africa and Cape Verde.
Notably, the delegation included Commissioner General Mr. Yankuba Darboe, Deputy Commissioner General and Head of Domestic Taxes Mr. Essa Jallow, and Director of Technical Services Mr. Yahya Manneh.
The workshop was officially inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Finance of Sierra Leone, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura. The event also saw participation from the AFRITAC West 2 Center Director, as well as IMF and EU Resident Representatives in Sierra Leone.
The forum focused on critical themes essential for strengthening tax administration and leadership, including:
- Effective decision making in tax administration
- Ethical leadership in tax administration
- Managing political interference in tax administration
- Turning vision into impact through adaptive leadership for tax transformation
- Delivering successful reforms
- Managing a portfolio of reforms
- Handling difficult stakeholders
- Leading for results through performance management
- Personal and professional development
The forum provided a vital platform for Commissioners and management teams to engage on pressing issues concerning revenue administration and reform implementation in the region.
During the event, the GRA had the opportunity to present on the theme "Navigating Political Challenges in Reform Implementation and Revenue Administration."
The presentation highlighted GRA’s practical experiences with key initiatives such as the implementation of ASYCUDA World, the introduction of Digital Tax Stamps on excisable goods, the Revenue Assurance System for Mobile Network Operators, and the Rental Tax Compliance System.
These examples illustrated the Authority’s proactive approach to overcoming challenges related to political interference while driving effective reform and modernization of revenue administration.
The event also provided the GRA’s Senior Management Team the opportunity to learn from the experiences of the other AFRITAC West 2 member administrations on their reforms implementation.