Is Domestic Revenue Mobilisation the Answer for The Gambia's Economic Future?

Domestic Revenue Mobilisation: A New Era for The Gambia

In a bold move towards economic self-reliance, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has stressed the importance of domestic revenue mobilization (DRM) during the Gambia Revenue Authority's Most Compliant Taxpayers' Awards ceremony. With overseas development assistance diminishing and donor fatigue setting in, Barrow insists that Gambia must harness its own resources to drive development. "We cannot rely solely on loans and grants to develop our country; we must build the requisite capacity to finance our own development agenda," he stated, underscoring a significant pivot towards local funding strategies.

Impressive Gains in Tax Revenue underline Economic Strategies

Under Barrow’s leadership, there has been a remarkable increase in domestic tax revenue—from D7.9 billion in 2017 to a projected D23 billion for 2025. This trajectory is a testament to the president's focus on improving fiscal policies and the ongoing digitization of tax administration, which are expected to streamline operations and enhance compliance among taxpayers. As of the first quarter of 2025, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has already collected D6.7 billion, putting the ambitious revenue targets within reach.

Revamping Tax Administration: A Vision for Effective Governance

President Barrow commended GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe for his team’s commitment to reforming the tax system. The digitization efforts not only promise efficiency but are designed to create an environment that encourages taxpayer compliance as a patriotic duty and a means for promoting nation-building. The significance of this focus on tax compliance highlights a strategic shift, where every taxpayer is seen as a crucial contributor to the economic fabric of The Gambia.

Building an Enabling Environment for Business Growth

Moreover, Barrow reassured the business community of his administration's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for enterprises to flourish. This dual focus on DRM and private sector support reflects an understanding of the complexities that the Gambian economy faces, especially in a context where global geopolitical dynamics increasingly demand localized solutions. The government’s pledge to channel tax revenues responsibly into public services is aimed at not only improving infrastructure but also directly benefiting the Gambian populace.

The Challenge Ahead: Navigating Development with Limited Resources

As The Gambia embarks on this transformative path, it faces the challenge of fostering economic growth amid limited natural resources. The call for increased domestic revenue generation highlights the urgency for effective governance and innovative strategies that engage citizens and businesses alike. Ongoing economic initiatives and policies will be pivotal in determining whether the objectives laid out by President Barrow can be achieved.

In conclusion, the strategic shift towards domestic revenue mobilization presents an opportunity not just for The Gambia but also serves as a case study for other African nations. It emphasizes the notion that achieving economic independence and resilience largely hinges on local taxpayer engagement and robust governance frameworks. As businesses and citizens unite under this new revenue generation mantra, The Gambia's journey toward economic stabilization can serve as a beacon for others in the continent.