By Mustapha Jallow
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has set out to collect D23 billion in 2025, following a historic achievement of D20.83 billion in 2024, surpassing its D19.2 billion target by over D1.6 billion.
This remarkable feat marks a 32% increase from the D15.79 billion collected in 2023. Yankuba Darboe, Commissioner General (CG) of the GRA, attributed the success to comprehensive reforms, digitalization efforts, and improved tax compliance measures.
“Our excellent revenue performance is the result of the hard work and dedication of our team, government support, cooperation from taxpayers and stakeholders, and various reform initiatives,” CG Darboe stated.
CG Darboe emphasized that the revenue growth was not due to increased tax rates, which have remained constant for nearly a decade, but rather the result of strategic reforms aimed at widening the tax net.
“These achievements stem from efficiency gains through the digitalization of our systems and business processes,” he said.
Since 2022, the GRA has implemented advanced systems such as Asycuda World, Single Window, e-tracking, digital weighbridges, digital rental income compliance solutions, digital tax stamps, and fuel marking systems.
CG Darboe revealed ongoing plans to further enhance revenue collection with initiatives like a revenue assurance system to provide real-time telecommunication data, an Integrated Tax Administrative System (ITAS) for the Domestic Taxes Department, and an Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System for VAT.
Finance Minister Seedy Keita commended the GRA for its unprecedented revenue performance, stating it reflects a commitment to compliance and efficiency without raising tax rates.
“This is the first time in The Gambia’s history that the GRA has crossed the D20 billion mark,” he said.
Minister Keita detailed the GRA’s progress, highlighting a consistent rise in revenue collection:2020: D10.9 billion, 2021: D11.6 billion, 2022: D11.6 billion, 2023: D15.79 billion (35% increase), 2024: D20.83 billion (79% increase over two years).
He emphasized the importance of broadening the tax base and sustaining digitalization to support economic growth while assuring the GRA of the government’s unwavering support.
“We want you to continue operating professionally, as you have been doing. This year, despite delays in external budget support, we relied on domestic resources for 11 months. This underscores our commitment to self-reliance,” Minister Keita said.
Minister Keita also highlighted the government’s strategic investments, such as the $20 million support to NAWEC to prevent electricity tariff hikes and funding for OIC operations, largely from domestic resources.
“This demonstrates our determination to finance key priorities independently. Self-reliance is the way forward,” he concluded.
With a proven track record and a clear reform agenda, the GRA is poised to achieve its D23 billion target for 2025, setting a new benchmark for revenue collection in The Gambia.
