By: Abdoulie John
Gambia’s Finance Minister Seedy Keita on Wednesday called for a fairer global taxation system, criticizing multinational companies that shift profits abroad to dodge tax liabilities in developing nations.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 7th Heads of Tax Administrations Master Class (HTAMC) at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, Keita highlighted the urgent need for reform. The event, organized in partnership with the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), focuses on strengthening tax systems across the continent.
“Gambia is actively working to mitigate tax evasion risks and ensure companies operating in the global market cannot exploit loopholes,” Keita said. He praised the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) for significantly boosting government revenue through improved collection efforts.
The minister noted disparities in international tax rules. “In some countries, you are taxed based on your worldwide income,” he explained, while criticizing Africa’s tax frameworks as still rooted in colonial legacies. Africa, he added, has lost substantial revenue amid growing global discussions on fair taxation.
Keita gave a pointed example: “If a company is operating in The Gambia but headquartered in Ireland, all their taxation should be at their resident headquarters.” He stressed the importance of dialogue with developed nations to address these imbalances. “That is why there is an urgent need to have a conversation with developed countries.”
The Gambia is not relying solely on international talks. Keita said the country is advancing tax withholding measures as an immediate tool while pushing for broader global reforms. “We are not stopping at that; we are pushing for these reforms at the global level,” he declared.
GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe echoed the call for self-reliance. “Africa cannot continue to depend on donors,” he told the media. “If we want to develop as a continent, we have to generate our own wealth,” Darboe argued, adding that building independent fiscal strength would free African nations from external dictates by international financial institutions.
The push comes as many African countries remain heavily reliant on foreign aid. Officials at the HTAMC are urging collective action to end what they describe as an “endless trap” of unfair taxation and promote home-grown development.
