Addressing an audience of regional tax leaders, government ministers, development partners, and seasoned practitioners, Mr. Darboe praised WAUTI for sustaining a professional platform that has fostered dialogue, knowledge exchange, and innovation in taxation over the past twelve years.
“This year’s theme, ‘Taxation and Economic Sovereignty in West Africa: Harmonizing Fiscal Autonomy for Inclusive Growth,’ could not be more timely,” he said. “Taxation is the most legitimate and reliable instrument for achieving economic independence. It reduces reliance on external aid, strengthens accountability, and reinforces the social contract between governments and citizens.”
Highlighting global economic shifts and the constraints of donor assistance, Mr. Darboe emphasised the urgent need for African nations to rely on home-grown solutions to finance development priorities. He noted that in many countries, up to 60% of government revenue is now devoted to debt servicing, leaving little room for investment in health, education, and infrastructure.
“Domestic Resource Mobilization is central to our future,” he said, underscoring that effective taxation systems are not merely tools for revenue collection, but pillars of economic sovereignty. Strong tax systems empower governments to plan, invest, and deliver essential services, while fostering transparency, compliance, and public trust.
Mr. Darboe also called on tax professionals, policymakers, and revenue administrators to reframe taxation as a shared investment in nation-building rather than an obligation. “Every tax collected, when managed responsibly, translates into roads that connect communities, hospitals that save lives, and schools that educate our children,” he said.
The GRA Commissioner General reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to supporting WAUTI’s objectives, promoting regional cooperation, and strengthening professional capacity in tax administration. He concluded by urging all participants to champion innovative, efficient, and fair tax systems capable of financing Africa’s development and securing the continent’s economic independence.
“The discussions in this conference are more than technical; they are about the future of economic sovereignty in West Africa,” he said, pledging that The Gambia Revenue Authority will remain a steadfast partner in achieving these goals.
