By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) welcomed a high-profile delegation from the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) on Tuesday, as Executive Secretary Mary Baine led discussions on regional cooperation and domestic revenue mobilization.
The visit marked a key moment in advancing collaboration between GRA and ATAF, the continental tax body of which The Gambia is a founding member.
Mary Baine, accompanied by senior ATAF official Romeo, commended the Gambia Revenue Authority for its reforms and strong performance.
She highlighted GRA’s commitment to increasing female representation in leadership and praised its role in fostering domestic revenue mobilization to support Africa’s development agenda.
“Domestic resource mobilization is the key to Africa’s sovereignty and sustainable development,” Baine said. “It is through strong partnerships like this that we can build effective tax administrations across the continent.”
Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe welcomed the delegation, noting The Gambia’s long-standing role in shaping ATAF’s vision.
He highlighted the authority’s achievements, including record revenue collections and capacity building programs, which he attributed to both internal reforms and support from partners like ATAF.
“With the right policies and training, we have revolutionized revenue collection in The Gambia, reducing dependence on external aid and ensuring sustainable development,” Darboe said.
Deputy Commissioner General Essa Jallow also addressed the delegation, tracing The Gambia’s early involvement in ATAF since its inception.
He noted that GRA staff had benefited from ATAF-led workshops on data analytics, transfer pricing, and taxation of digital services, enhancing professional skills and institutional capacity.
Jallow emphasized the importance of continued engagement with ATAF to strengthen legal frameworks, establish specialized units, and share best practices across the continent.
The visit underscores the strategic partnership between The Gambia and ATAF, aimed at boosting tax administration, mobilizing domestic resources, and fostering peer-to-peer learning among African tax authorities.
GRA leadership reiterated its commitment to regional collaboration and to maintaining momentum in domestic revenue growth, positioning The Gambia as a model for effective and inclusive tax governance