By Fatou Krubally
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on Wednesday signed an escrow account agreement to facilitate the rollout of a Revenue Assurance System for the telecommunications sector.
Officials said the agreement marks the final step before implementation of the system, which is expected to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in telecom revenue collection.
Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe said the system would enable government to access real-time data on telecom transactions.
“For the first time, we will have access to real-time data on telecom transactions, allowing us to determine government revenue before companies submit their returns,” Darboe said.
He added that the system would help reduce under-declaration and improve tax compliance. Telecom operators collect taxes such as VAT and excise duties on behalf of the state.
Darboe said earlier reforms implemented in partnership with SICPA, including digital tax stamps and fuel marking, had increased revenue from the petroleum sector from about D250 million to over D500 million monthly.
He noted that the telecom revenue assurance system took nearly three years to develop and is now backed by a legal and regulatory framework following cabinet approval and gazetting.
Deputy Director General Solo Sima, speaking on behalf of PURA Director General Njogu Bah, said the agreement establishes a structured mechanism for managing telecom revenues through an escrow account.
“This introduces discipline, visibility and shared oversight into a critical sector,” Sima said.
Vista Bank Managing Director Binta Janneh said the bank would serve as escrow manager to ensure that revenues are securely held and disbursed in line with agreed terms.
SICPA Gambia General Manager Momodou Clark Jarra said the initiative reflects efforts to strengthen oversight and build trust in the sector.
Officials said the system will also generate data to support policy decisions in the digital economy.
