07 February, 2026
The Gambia Takes Centre Stage in Geneva as Minister Mod K. Ceesay Leads High-Powered Delegation to WTO Trade Policy Review
Defining moment for The Gambia’s economic diplomacy and global trade engagement, a high-powered national delegation led by the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Honourable Mod K. Ceesay, has arrived in Geneva to participate in the country’s Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The Trade Policy Review is a landmark platform that allows The Gambia to highlight its ongoing progress, reforms, and strategic priorities within the global trading system. It also provides an opportunity for the country to reaffirm its commitment to transparent, rules-based international trade while strengthening partnerships with WTO member states and key development institutions.
The delegation’s participation comes at a time when The Gambia is accelerating efforts to modernize its trade architecture, enhance private sector competitiveness, and position itself as an emerging hub for investment, regional commerce, and sustainable economic transformation.
Minister Ceesay’s leadership in Geneva reflects the government’s determination to ensure that trade remains a central pillar of national development, job creation, and inclusive growth.
During the review process, The Government of The Gambia was hailed and praised, particularly the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), for its reform initiatives and trade facilitation through the use of modern techniques.
This recognition underscores the country’s strides in strengthening customs efficiency, improving border procedures, and embracing digital innovations that enhance transparency and ease of doing business.
Such reforms are widely seen as critical steps toward boosting investor confidence and ensuring smoother trade flows across borders.
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.