The GRA boss was awarded in recognition of his active participation and support rendered during the 11th Annual International conference, organised by WAUTI, held recently in Accra, Ghana.
In his goodwill message, the GRA leading light Yankuba hailed participants of the 11th Annual International Tax Conference (AITC) organised by the West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI).
The theme of the gathering, “Domestic Revenue Mobilization in the Wake of Dwindling Aid Flows and Increasing Debts: Strategies for Developing Economies”, was hailed as both timely and critical for collective progress as developing nations.
Mr Darboe commended the organisers for bringing together key stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to deliberate on a subject of utmost importance - domestic revenue mobilisation in an era of dwindling aid and mounting debt.
“As developing economies,” CG Darboe said, “we face a dual challenge: declining external aid and unsustainable debt levels. These constraints demand that we rethink traditional approaches and prioritize self-reliance.”
According to the GRA head, domestic revenue mobilisation is no longer a choice – “it is an imperative for financing development, reducing inequality and securing the future of our nations.”
CG Darboe asserted that in today’s evolving economic landscape, developing economies must strengthen their revenue generation frameworks to ensure sustainable development and financial resilience.
He indicated that the challenges posed by declining external assistance and increasing debt burdens require innovative, homegrown solutions to bolster domestic resource mobilisation. In this regard, the conference provided a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration, he said.
He added that the carefully selected sub-themes underscored the urgency of adapting national tax systems to contemporary realities. “The taxation of the digital economy presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring robust policies to ensure fair and effective revenue collection,” he said, adding that the discussions on reshaping international tax standards under the UN framework are particularly timely, as Africa seeks to establish a more inclusive and equitable global tax system.
According to CG Darboe, tackling illicit financial flows is critical to safeguarding domestic revenues, while leveraging data analytics will undoubtedly enhance compliance and revenue generation.
“As we initiate these critical discussions, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to strengthening tax systems, improving compliance, and fostering international cooperation,” he said. “Therefore, I urge each of you to share your knowledge, engage in constructive dialogue, and work collaboratively towards actionable outcomes that we can implement in our respective jurisdictions. Together, we can formulate robust strategies that not only enhance our domestic revenue mobilization efforts but also pave the way for economic resilience in the face of global uncertainties.”
Mr Darboe stated that as we look forward to solutions to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, the digital economy offers both opportunities and complexities.
With cross-border transactions and remote work reshaping global commerce, our tax systems must evolve, he emphasised, saying: “By modernising policies, investing in technology, and building capacity, we can ensure that Africa takes its fair share of digital economy.”
According to CG Darboe, illicit financial flows remain a grave threat, draining billions annually from Africa. To combat this, collaboration is key. Regional partnerships, data-sharing mechanisms, and harmonised policies would strengthen our ability to detect and deter profit shifting, smuggling, and tax evasion. The progress made under frameworks like the African Tax Administration Forum must be accelerated, and our collective voice amplified in global tax governance discussions.
He added that technology will play a pivotal role, saying from AI-driven audits to blockchain-enabled traceability, innovation can revolutionise compliance and reduce administrative burdens.
Rwanda’s strides in digitising tax processes, for instance, demonstrate how technology can enhance efficiency and inclusivity. “Let us learn from such successes and adapt them to our unique contexts,” he said. He also stated regional solidarity must guide our actions. By aligning tax incentives, closing loopholes, and jointly negotiating with multinational enterprises, Africa can present a united front. This will ensure that Africa reclaims its agency in a global system that often sidelines developing nations.
