By JarraNews TV Staff Reporter
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has celebrated a landmark achievement in national revenue mobilization, announcing a historic collection of more than D25 billion in 2025, the highest in the institution’s history. The milestone reflects the remarkable success of the Authority’s modernization agenda under the leadership of Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe and the steadfast political support provided by the government of President Adama Barrow.
Speaking at the GRA headquarters in Banjul, Commissioner General Darboe attributed the record-breaking performance to the Authority’s bold digital transformation and the enabling policy environment created by President Barrow’s administration. He noted that the government’s unwavering commitment to reform has empowered the GRA to close long-standing loopholes, strengthen compliance, and significantly enhance the efficiency and transparency of tax administration.
According to Commissioner General Darboe, the Authority’s modernization drive has fundamentally reshaped the way revenue is collected in The Gambia. Through the introduction of electronic tax filing, online payment systems, and integrated digital platforms, the GRA has streamlined tax processes, minimized human error, and drastically reduced revenue leakages.
“These reforms have transformed our operations,” Darboe said. “With the continued support of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, the GRA has been able to modernize its systems and ensure that national revenue is collected more efficiently and transparently for the benefit of the Gambian people.”
The Commissioner General highlighted the dramatic progress made over the past decade. Around 2016, he explained, annual revenue collections averaged between D5 billion and D6 billion. Today, following years of reform and modernization, the Authority has surpassed D25.3 billion, representing a major leap in the country’s domestic resource mobilization.
Darboe emphasized that the GRA’s achievements are aligned with a broader national vision of economic self-reliance, where The Gambia increasingly funds its development priorities through domestically generated resources rather than external aid.
“The vision of every revenue authority is to help build a self-reliant nation,” he stated. “Meaningful development can only be achieved when we mobilize our own domestic revenue and support government in delivering infrastructure, social services, and economic growth. As a country, we can no longer rely solely on donors or external grants. Our reforms are helping The Gambia take greater ownership of its development.”
While commending the dedication and professionalism of GRA staff, the Commissioner General stressed that the Authority’s success would not have been possible without strong political will from the highest levels of government.
“Reforms are never easy,” he explained. “When reforms close leakages and strengthen systems, those who previously benefited from inefficiencies may resist change. That is why political backing is essential. In The Gambia, we are fortunate that the first champions of our reforms are His Excellency the President, the Cabinet, and the entire government.”
Observers note that the record revenue collection highlights the GRA’s growing role as a cornerstone of national development. With stronger systems, enhanced transparency, and sustained reforms, the Authority is now better positioned to support fiscal stability and fund key government programs.
Commissioner General Darboe reaffirmed the GRA’s commitment to deepening digitalization, strengthening institutional integrity, and maintaining transparency in revenue administration. He also emphasized that continued collaboration between the Authority and the government will remain critical in sustaining progress.
“The secret behind the success of the Gambia Revenue Authority is clear,” Darboe concluded. “When reforms are properly explained and supported at the highest level, implementation becomes easier and results follow. With the strong political support we enjoy, we will continue strengthening our systems and contributing meaningfully to The Gambia’s development.”
As the GRA celebrates this historic achievement, the Authority’s performance stands as a powerful testament to the impact of visionary leadership, digital innovation, and firm political support in building a stronger and more resilient Gambian economy.
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