By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) on Saturday hosted its 7th Annual Taxpayer Awards Night to honor outstanding contributors to national revenue. Telecommunications company Africell was recognized as the country’s largest taxpayer.
The ceremony, held in Banjul, was graced by the presence of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, who served as the guest of honor. The event brought together a cross-section of Gambian society, including government officials, members of the National Assembly, and representatives of the business community.
A range of businesses and individuals were recognized across multiple award categories, with the GRA describing the initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to promote a culture of tax compliance and reward excellence in tax contribution.
In his remarks, Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe announced that the GRA had surpassed its revenue target for the 2024 fiscal year. Tasked with collecting D19.2 billion by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, the Authority collected over D20.83 billion by December 31, representing an 8% increase above the set target.
Darboe noted a significant nominal revenue growth of 32% compared to 2023, translating to an increase of more than D5 billion. Importantly, he emphasized that this performance was not due to higher tax rates but rather the result of strategic reforms.
“This growth is the outcome of expanded tax coverage, improved compliance measures, and enhanced efficiency through the digitalization of our systems and processes,” he explained.
Looking ahead, the Commissioner General revealed that the Authority has been tasked with collecting D23 billion in 2025—an average of nearly D2 billion per month. While acknowledging the pressure of meeting such targets, he expressed confidence in the capacity of the Authority’s board, management, and staff to rise to the challenge.
“The authority has been tasked to collect about D23 billion in 2025 averaging almost D2 billion per month the pressure of meeting monthly and annual targets is immense but I am confident that with the support of the board management and the entire staff of the Authority we will rise to the challenge we are hopeful in meeting this target because many of our ongoing reforms will yield significant dividends in 2025 and beyond,” he said.
Darboe also extended his congratulations to the winners of various award categories, praising their exemplary tax compliance. He described these businesses and individuals as role models, setting a standard for others to follow in supporting the nation’s development.
Delivering the keynote address, President Barrow highlighted the growing importance of domestic revenue mobilization, especially in the face of declining international aid and donor fatigue. “We cannot rely solely on loans and grants to develop our country rather we most build the requisite capacity to finance our development agenda,” he said.
President Barrow noted that under his administration, tax revenue has grown significantly—from D7.9 billion in 2017 to D20.83 billion in 2024. He added that the projection for the 2025 fiscal year is D23 billion, a goal that appears attainable given that D6.7 billion has already been collected in the first quarter.
“The projection came from the expectations that digitalization of the tax system and processes will yield greater efficiencies. My government’s objective is to utilize the revenue collected responsibly and effectively channeling every bit of it into public works and services that directly benefit the Gambian people. This is the essence of our domestic revenue mobilization drive.”he said.
The President further praised the awardees for their contribution to the country’s progress, stating that their commitment exemplifies the crucial role taxpayers play in shaping the future of The Gambia.