04 December, 2024
Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe shared The Gambia’s transformative journey in tax digitalization with over 400 Directors and Commissioners-General from across Africa.
Reflecting on Gambia’s progress, Commissioner General Darboe emphasized critical lessons learned from the implementation of digital systems that have improved efficiency, transparency, and domestic revenue mobilization. He highlighted the value of securing government buy-in, navigating internal resistance, and addressing taxpayer concerns, all of which are essential steps on the path to successful reforms.
GRA’s commitment to digitalization has yielded significant results:
• Increased Revenue Collection. This is due to improved systems and compliance management.
• Enhanced Transparency. Combatting corruption and gaining taxpayers’ confidence.
• Cost Reduction and Efficiency Gains. Streamlined operations, benefiting both taxpayers and the government.
• Strategic Collaboration. Partnering with stakeholders and learning from peers across the continent.
The Gambia’s story is not without challenges—limited infrastructure, data availability, and skills gaps were major hurdles. Yet, innovative approaches like government collaboration, MOUs (Memorandums of Understanding) with institutions, and investments in human capital have paved the way forward.
Commissioner General Darboe’s message to African tax authorities was clear: “There is no turning back on digitalization. It is the only way forward to meet the revenue needs of our governments and to ensure sustainable development for our nations.
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.