Delivering the keynote address, Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe described the initiative as a “game changer” that will transform how government monitors and assesses taxes from telecom operators.
“For the first time in the history of this country, we will have access to real-time data on telecom transactions,” Darboe said. “This means we can determine what is due to government even before companies submit their returns, drastically reducing under-declarations and improving compliance.”
He explained that telecom operators collect taxes such as VAT and excise duties on behalf of the state, stressing that the new system will enhance visibility and accuracy in reporting.
“All we need from businesses is the tax element. We do not touch their capital or profit,” he stated, reaffirming GRA’s commitment to fairness and transparency.
Darboe also highlighted the success of earlier reforms implemented under government’s partnership with SICPA, including the digital tax stamp and fuel marking systems. He noted that revenue from the petroleum sector has more than doubled following the introduction of fuel marking, rising from about D250 million to over D500 million monthly.
He added that the telecom revenue assurance system took nearly three years to develop due to its technical complexity, but now rests on a solid legal and regulatory framework following cabinet approval and gazetting of the necessary regulations.
Speaking on behalf of PURA Director General, Solo Sima, Deputy Director General said the agreement establishes a structured and accountable framework for managing telecom revenues through a controlled escrow mechanism.
“This introduces discipline, visibility and shared oversight into a critical sector,” he said, noting that the collaboration reinforces transparency and public confidence.
Binta Janneh, Managing Director of Vista Bank, explained that the bank will act as escrow manager, serving as a neutral party to ensure that revenues collected are securely held and disbursed in line with agreed terms among stakeholders.
Earlier, SICPA Gambia General Manager Momodou Clark Jarra said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening oversight and building trust within the sector.
Officials noted that beyond revenue collection, the system will generate reliable data to support policy decisions in the country’s growing digital economy.
With implementation now imminent, authorities expressed confidence that the initiative will boost government revenue, improve compliance and reinforce trust in The Gambia’s tax system.
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