By Haddy Touray
The Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Yankuba Darboe, has commended the West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI) for sustaining a platform that promotes dialogue and cooperation on taxation across the region.
Speaking in a goodwill message at the 12th WAUTI Annual International Tax Conference held in Dakar on Wednesday, Darboe said the union had, over the years, provided a professional forum for tax administrators, policymakers, academics and practitioners to deliberate on fiscal issues affecting West Africa.
“For twelve consecutive conferences, WAUTI has provided a professional and intellectual forum where stakeholders converge to shape the fiscal future of our region,” he said, noting that such consistency reflects commitment to advancing taxation systems in the sub-region.
He described the conference theme, “Taxation and Economic Sovereignty in West Africa: Harmonizing Fiscal Autonomy for Inclusive Growth,” as timely, stressing that taxation remains a key instrument for achieving economic sovereignty and reducing dependence on external financing.
Darboe said African countries are operating in a changing global economic environment marked by declining development assistance, often described as “donor fatigue,” and rising public debt burdens.
“In several African countries, available data indicates that as much as 60 percent of government revenues is devoted to debt servicing, raising concerns about funding for critical sectors such as health, education and infrastructure,” he said.
He emphasised the need for African countries to increasingly rely on domestic resource mobilisation to finance development, noting that sustainable growth cannot depend solely on external support.
“Domestic resource mobilisation provides a more stable and reliable pathway for development financing, particularly in a context of global economic uncertainty,” he added.
According to him, strong tax systems are essential for economic sovereignty, enabling governments to deliver services, strengthen accountability and reinforce the social contract between the state and citizens.
He said WAUTI plays a critical role in strengthening tax administration across West Africa through capacity building, policy dialogue and the promotion of best practices.
Darboe reaffirmed the GRA’s commitment to supporting WAUTI and enhancing collaboration among regional tax institutions to address shared challenges.
He also called for a shift in public perception of taxation, urging that it be viewed as a collective investment in national development rather than merely an obligation.
“Every tax collected, when properly managed, contributes to infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, and education,” he said.
The GRA chief urged participants, including tax experts, policymakers and development partners, to strengthen cooperation and develop efficient and equitable tax systems capable of supporting Africa’s development agenda.
He expressed confidence that the conference would generate practical solutions to enhance fiscal systems and promote inclusive growth in the region.
Darboe concluded by reiterating GRA’s support for WAUTI and commending the organisation for its continued leadership in promoting professionalism and cooperation in taxation across West Africa.