The Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Yankuba Darboe, and his delegation recently attended the 7th High Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) held by the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) from September 15 to 19, 2025, in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
This annual forum serves as a critical platform for West African revenue authorities to discuss major tax administration challenges and develop collective strategies to improve domestic revenue mobilization in the region.
Mr. Darboe, who is the former Chairperson of WATAF, led the Gambian delegation, reflecting The Gambia’s proactive leadership role in regional tax reforms and collaboration. His participation is part of a broader engagement by GRA in international fiscal policy discourse, underscoring the authority’s commitment to modernizing fiscal systems, advancing digital revenue collection, and enhancing transparency and compliance.
Organised under the theme, “Financing Development through Effective Tax Systems”, the forum resonates deeply with the core mandate of revenue institutions.
At the dialogue, Commissioner General Darboe and his team contributed insights on leveraging technology for revenue mobilization, sharing Gambia’s successful digital transformation initiatives.
Key reforms highlighted included the transition to the ASYCUDA World system for customs automation, the establishment of a National Single Window for trade facilitation, digital tax stamps for excisable products, and other innovations such as e-tracking for transit cargo and digital weighbridges at key ports. These efforts have notably strengthened revenue collection and trade efficiency while combating tax evasion and smuggling in The Gambia.
“As tax administrators, we face common challenges such as tax evasion, tax base erosion, and the informal economy’s complexity. However, these challenges also present opportunities for regional collaboration. Sharing best practices, innovative approaches, and leveraging technology can enhance our collective capacity to mobilize revenue effectively,” CG Darboe told the meeting.
He disclosed that the Gambia Revenue Authority remains committed to fostering regional partnerships, aligning its policies with international standards, and ensuring that “our tax systems are fair, transparent, and efficient”.
“We believe that harmonization of tax policies within ECOWAS and UEMOA frameworks can significantly improve revenue mobilization and reduce harmful tax competition. In this digital age, technology is a catalyst for reform. The adoption of advanced data analytics, digital payment solutions, and automated systems can improve compliance, reduce administrative costs, and enhance taxpayer services.”
CG Darboe added that cross-border cooperation, facilitated by shared data and information exchange, is essential to combat tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
“An effective tax system must also be equitable and inclusive, ensuring that all segments of society contribute their fair share and benefit from development. Addressing issues of tax fairness will foster social cohesion and enhance voluntary compliance.”
He added: “As we reflect on our progress and set goals for the future, I urge all participants to strengthen our resolve towards building resilient, modern, and sustainable tax systems. Our efforts must be guided by principles of transparency, integrity, and commitment to development.”
The 7th WATAF HLPD also included participation from multiple stakeholders, such as tax officials, development partners, financial institutions, and government policymakers, reinforcing a collaborative approach to regional tax system improvements.
This participation aligns with GRA’s ongoing broader international engagements, including recent contributions at the African Development Bank annual meetings and the IMF TADAT regional workshop, where GRA officials showcased The Gambia’s strides in revenue administration and fiscal reforms.
Overall, the attendance and active engagement of the GRA Commissioner General and delegation at the affirm The Gambia’s leadership and commitment to building efficient, transparent, and technologically advanced tax systems in West Africa, thereby supporting sustainable economic development and stronger regional integration.
This assertive presence at such forums highlights the strategic vision GRA under Darboe’s leadership is pursuing — positioning The Gambia as a model for digital tax transformation and governance excellence in revenue mobilization.
