The Gambia has secured a seat on the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Council for the 2026–2028 term, marking a major milestone in its engagement with continental tax reform. The election took place during the 9th ATAF General Assembly on 4 November 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, as part of the organization’s 2026 Annual Meetings held from 1 to 5 November.
The meetings, attended by 460 participants from 38 ATAF member states along with development partners, regional bodies, academia, civil society and the private sector, focused on the theme “The Tax Revenue Imperative: Africa’s Path to Financing Its Own Development.” Discussions centered on strengthening domestic resource mobilization to advance Africa’s financial self-reliance.
Hon. Seedy M.K. Keita, The Gambia’s Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, delivered a keynote address titled “The Compromiso de Sevilla: An Africa Audit on a Global Compact.” He stressed the need to translate international commitments made in Sevilla into concrete national reforms that deliver measurable results.
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) delegation was led by Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, who participated in a panel on Domestic Resource Mobilization. He outlined The Gambia’s complementary reforms, including modernizing customs through ASYCUDA World, the National Single Window and Electronic Cargo Tracking, as well as planned upgrades to domestic tax administration via the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).
Darboe also highlighted partnerships supporting digital excise stamps, fuel marking and telecommunications revenue assurance initiatives, which have improved visibility over taxable activities, strengthened verification and reduced leakages.
He underscored the importance of properly sequencing reforms, preparing staff and taxpayers, aligning development partner support with national priorities, and ensuring reforms produce tangible outcomes. The panel discussions reinforced the value of country-specific approaches, national ownership and political support for sustainable tax administration improvements.
The newly elected ATAF Council, which will provide strategic leadership and guidance, includes Namibia’s Mr Sam Shivute as Chairperson, Zimbabwe’s Ms Regina Chinamasa as Vice Chairperson, and members from South Africa, The Gambia (represented by Mr Yankuba Darboe), Benin, Egypt, Zambia, Gabon, Tanzania, and Mauritius, with ATAF Executive Secretary Ms Mary Baine serving ex officio.
The Gambia’s election to the Council offers an opportunity to contribute to ATAF’s strategic direction and priorities. It reflects the country’s continued participation in continental efforts to build stronger, more efficient revenue administrations in support of Africa’s broader development financing ambitions.
