01 December, 2025
NRA Sierra Leone Begins Five-Day Study Tour at GRA on SICPA Digital Tax Stamp and Fuel Marking Solution
A delegation from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone has commenced a five-day study tour at the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) from 1st to 5th December 2025 to learn from The Gambia’s successful implementation of the SICPA Digital Tax Stamp and Fuel Marking Solution.
Welcoming the team, GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe expressed appreciation to the NRA leadership for selecting GRA as their preferred institution for knowledge sharing. He explained that GRA’s digitalization journey was initially met with challenges, including public resistance to change and the need for appropriate legal frameworks. With strong government support and extensive public sensitization, these obstacles were effectively managed.
Mr. Darboe highlighted the role of GRA’s enforcement unit, which he described as a key pillar in ensuring compliance. He encouraged the visiting delegation to develop similar enforcement structures to strengthen their own operations.
Before the introduction of the digital tax stamp and fuel marking systems, the Gambian market faced significant unfair competition due to smuggling. The Commissioner General reported that since the project’s launch, smuggling has greatly reduced, market fairness has improved, and revenue from fuel products has more than doubled. He added that the telecoms revenue assurance system will also provide real-time data on calls and text messages, improving oversight and revenue monitoring.
Mr. Momodou Clarke Jarra, SICPA General Manager in The Gambia, welcomed the delegation and assured them of SICPA’s full cooperation during the tour.
Mr. Kemo Sonko also noted that GRA consistently works closely with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs to ensure all digital reforms align with national policies.
Speaking on behalf of the visitors, the NRA team lead commended GRA for the recognition it continues to receive across the sub-region for its modernization achievements. He stated that while NRA has made progress in several areas, challenges remain in enforcement, particularly on digital tax stamps and fuel marking. The team hopes to learn from GRA’s experience in effectively tackling smuggling and strengthening compliance.
CG Darboe concluded by stating that digitalizing every stage of revenue administration is key to maximizing national revenue, and that GRA is fully committed to this direction.