Story by Fatou Dahaba and photography by Momodou S Gagigo
Delegates from the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) have commended President Adama Barrow for his unwavering support for tax reform and domestic resource mobilization, describing it as a model for the continent.
The praise came after a high-level courtesy call on President Barrow at State House on Thursday, July 23, during which the delegation briefed him on ATAF’s ongoing masterclass hosted in The Gambia.
Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Yankuba Darboe, who led the Gambian side, said the President responded positively, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening revenue collection.
“President Barrow continues to provide guidance to the GRA and closely follows developments within the institution,” Darboe said. He added that the President, together with the Minister of Finance and Cabinet, views domestic resource mobilization as the most sustainable path to national and continental development.
Darboe emphasized that Africa must reduce reliance on external aid and instead harness internal resources to drive economic transformation. He cited The Gambia’s remarkable progress as proof that strong political will delivers results. Revenue collection, once around D3 billion annually, now reaches approximately that amount in a single month, thanks to presidential backing, Cabinet support, and collaboration with the business community.
ATAF Executive Director Mary Baine highlighted President Barrow’s call for African unity. “One of the President’s key messages was the need for African countries to unite around a common purpose and speak with one voice on development issues,” she said. Baine noted that Barrow has been asked to champion ATAF’s efforts to build efficient, effective, and sustainable tax systems across the continent.
ATAF Chairman and South African Revenue Service Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu echoed the sentiment, stressing that political leadership is critical for successful tax reforms. “The President clearly understands how taxes help improve people’s lives through better roads, schools, and hospitals,” Makhubu said.
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Seedy Keita lauded President Barrow as The Gambia’s “chief revenue mobilizer.” Under Barrow’s leadership, domestic revenue surged from D11 billion to D25 billion in just three years, significantly enhancing public services and living standards, Keita said.
He described the ATAF gathering as a vital platform for peer learning, enabling African tax administrations to share best practices and strengthen institutions for greater self-reliance.
The masterclass, hosted on a rotational basis among African nations, underscores The Gambia’s growing role in continental tax cooperation. Officials say sustained political support, as demonstrated by President Barrow, remains the cornerstone of successful revenue reforms and broader economic progress.
