By Fatou Dahaba
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has achieved a landmark milestone, collecting a record-breaking revenue that far exceeded expectations for 2025, driven by aggressive digital reforms and enhanced compliance measures.
Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe announced the historic performance at a press conference held at the GRA headquarters in Banjul, crediting technological advancements for positioning the authority as a regional benchmark in efficient tax administration.
The GRA surpassed its ambitious target, marking a significant leap from the previous year’s collections and signaling robust economic momentum. This achievement underscores The Gambia’s progress in modernizing its fiscal systems amid ongoing reforms initiated since 2017.
Darboe highlighted the authority’s strides in tax administration, including expanded outreach programs and taxpayer education initiatives. These efforts have cultivated a more transparent environment, stabilizing revenue streams and encouraging voluntary compliance. “Our reforms have fostered trust and efficiency,” Darboe told journalists, emphasizing the role of stakeholder dialogue in balancing revenue goals with taxpayer burdens.
Key digital initiatives propelled the surge. The GRA signed contracts for electronic invoicing on VAT and other taxes, rolled out the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAX), established revenue assurance regulations for mobile networks, and launched the first phase of the Rental Compliance System in October 2025. Additional tools like e-tracking, digital tax stamps, fuel marking, and the ASYCUDA World system at ports have minimized leakages, curbed smuggling, and streamlined processes.
Sectoral contributions were pivotal. The telecommunications industry boomed as digital services adoption rose, while banking and financial services benefited from fintech-driven inclusion. Petroleum taxes rose due to increased imports, the phasing out of subsidies, and the implementation of fuel marking. Trade growth was bolstered by improved import-export procedures via ASYCUDA World.
Darboe stressed the delicate balance in revenue mobilization: “We aim to ease compliance through digital platforms, ensuring fair contributions without overburdening citizens and businesses.” Globally, revenue authorities are leveraging technology for better collection and accessibility. Over the past five years, the GRA has introduced multiple platforms to enhance efficiency, with plans to incorporate data analytics and artificial intelligence for improved compliance monitoring.
Despite successes, challenges remain, including achieving equity across taxpayer categories, inclusivity, and completing digital transitions. The authority prioritizes adaptive strategies and ongoing stakeholder engagement to address these.
Looking ahead, the GRA has set an even higher bar for 2026, with discussions with the Ministry of Finance and partners such as the IMF yielding a revised target. This reflects confidence in sustained reforms and economic stability.
Darboe’s leadership has been instrumental, transforming the GRA into a model institution through innovation and professionalism. As The Gambia navigates global uncertainties, this record performance provides critical resources for national development, infrastructure, and social programs.
The press conference concluded on an optimistic note, with Darboe reaffirming his commitment to the GRA’s mission despite pressures from monthly and annual targets. “With continued support from government, staff, and taxpayers, we will meet these challenges head-on,” he said.
This fiscal triumph not only bolsters The Gambia’s self-reliance but also highlights the transformative power of digitalization in public finance management across Africa.
