President Adama Barrow is right to acknowledge the critical role taxpayers play in national development. His remarks at the 8th edition of the Gambia Revenue Authority Annual Taxpayers’ Award Ceremony highlighted an important reality: no country can build sustainable progress without strong domestic revenue mobilisation.
The steady rise in tax revenue collection over recent years reflects significant reforms within the Gambia Revenue Authority. Moving from D7.79 billion in 2017 to over D25.3 billion in 2025 is a major achievement that deserves recognition. Improved digital systems, automation and better compliance mechanisms have clearly strengthened revenue collection without necessarily increasing tax rates.
For a country long dependent on donor support and external borrowing, this progress signals a positive shift toward greater financial independence. Roads, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure projects require funding, and taxes remain the most reliable source of national income. In that sense, taxpayers are indeed partners in development.
However, government recognition of taxpayers must go beyond ceremonial praise. Citizens and businesses are contributing under increasingly difficult economic conditions. Rising food prices, high transport costs, electricity challenges and the broader cost-of-living crisis continue to affect households across the country. Many small businesses struggle daily to survive, yet they remain expected to meet tax obligations.
This is why accountability must accompany revenue collection. Taxpayers deserve to see clear and measurable benefits from the money they contribute. Public confidence in taxation grows when citizens witness improvements in healthcare, education, electricity supply, roads and employment opportunities. When public services remain weak or projects are poorly executed, frustration naturally increases.
The government therefore carries a responsibility not only to collect taxes efficiently but also to manage public resources transparently and responsibly. Waste, corruption and unnecessary spending weaken public trust and undermine voluntary compliance.
Equally important is the need to protect small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of The Gambia’s economy. Revenue generation should not come at the expense of entrepreneurship and business growth. A balanced approach is necessary to ensure that businesses can expand, create jobs and continue contributing to national development.
Ultimately, taxation is part of a social contract between citizens and the state. Gambians must continue to fulfil their civic responsibilities, but government must also ensure that tax revenues translate into visible improvements in people’s daily lives.
National development cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires responsible taxpayers, accountable leadership and institutions that serve the public interest effectively.