Darboe’s Vision Elevates GRA as Regional Tax Reform Powerhouse at IMF Forum

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter, 2026

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), under the decisive and forward-looking leadership of Commissioner General Mr. Yankuba Darboe, has once again positioned itself as a leading force in regional tax administration, following its high-profile participation at the Second International Monetary Fund (IMF)–AFRITAC West 2 Regional Leadership Forum held from 2nd to 6th February 2026.

The prestigious forum brought together Commissioners General and senior revenue administrators from Anglophone West Africa and Cape Verde to confront critical leadership and reform challenges shaping the future of revenue mobilization across the region.

Leading The Gambia’s delegation was Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, whose reform-driven stewardship has transformed the GRA into one of the most dynamic and respected revenue administrations in West Africa. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner General and Head of Domestic Taxes Mr. Essa Jallow, and Director of Technical Services Mr. Yahya Manneh, reflecting the depth and strength of the Authority’s senior leadership team.

The forum was officially opened by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, with strong representation from the IMF, European Union, and the AFRITAC West 2 Center—further underscoring the significance of the gathering.

Discussions focused on high-impact themes essential to modern revenue administration, including ethical leadership, effective decision-making, managing political interference, delivering successful reforms, stakeholder management, and translating vision into measurable results. These themes closely mirror the reform agenda already being vigorously pursued at the GRA under Darboe’s leadership.

A major highlight of the forum was the GRA’s presentation on “Navigating Political Challenges in Reform Implementation and Revenue Administration.” Drawing from real-world experience, the presentation showcased The Gambia’s bold and innovative reforms, many of which have been personally championed by Commissioner General Darboe.

Among the standout initiatives were the successful implementation of ASYCUDA World, the rollout of Digital Tax Stamps on excisable goods, the Revenue Assurance System for Mobile Network Operators, and the Rental Tax Compliance System—all reforms that have strengthened transparency, improved compliance, and significantly boosted domestic revenue mobilization.

These achievements were widely acknowledged as practical examples of how strong, principled leadership can overcome political and operational challenges while delivering tangible national benefits.

The forum also provided an invaluable opportunity for the GRA’s Senior Management Team to exchange ideas and learn from peer administrations, further enhancing the Authority’s reform momentum.

With Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe at the helm, the GRA continues to set benchmarks in integrity, innovation, and results-driven leadership—earning The Gambia growing respect as a model for revenue administration reform across the West African sub-region.