The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General, Yankuba Darboe, called on Gambian businesses to support and adopt the agency’s new Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS). Mr. Darboe made his remarks on Tuesday at a sensitisation workshop specifically tailored for manufacturers and industrial businesses. This important event was organised in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and received funding support from the World Bank. During the workshop, he stated, "We are fully aware that the success of this system does not rest on technology alone. It rests on the people who use it." Mr. Darboe further added, "This is not just a passive learning session, but a collaborative platform where you can exchange ideas and strategies that will enable you to adapt effectively to these changes." His address showed the GRA's commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and widespread acceptance of the new digital tax platform.
ITAS: A Modern Tax Solution
The Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) is a secure, web-based platform specifically designed to automate essential tax processes. Its primary objective is to replace traditional paperwork by offering most tax services online, including key functions such as registration, filing, and payment. Proponents of ITAS contend that the system will significantly enhance transparency in financial dealings, minimize the potential for human error in tax calculations and submissions, and establish a clear, verifiable digital footprint for all financial transactions. The Gambia Revenue Authority is implementing ITAS as a key component under the umbrella of the broader Public Administration Modernisation for Citizen-Centric Service Delivery Project. This full initiative seeks not only to streamline governmental operations but also to markedly improve the quality and accessibility of service delivery for all citizens across The Gambia. The introduction of ITAS represents a substantial leap forward in modernising the nation's financial administration.
Broader Modernisation Efforts
Yankuba Darboe described ITAS as a truly transformative step toward modernising The Gambia's tax administration landscape. He noted that the Gambia Revenue Authority’s diligent efforts to implement this new digital system are part of a broader, years-long initiative. This full push is aimed at modernising the country’s entire tax and customs processes, ensuring they are efficient, transparent, and aligned with international best practices. This wide-ranging initiative seeks to enhance efficiency and transparency across various governmental financial operations, ultimately strengthening the nation's fiscal framework. The deployment of ITAS is seen as a cornerstone of this long-term vision, promising significant improvements in how tax and customs duties are managed and collected.
Industry Concerns and Support
Participants at the sensitisation workshop expressed several valid concerns regarding the new digital tax system. Among the issues prominently raised were the reliability and consistency of internet infrastructure across The Gambia, particularly in more remote areas, and the varying levels of digital literacy prevalent among businesses and individuals. Attendees showed the critical importance of strong and accessible training programs to ensure that all users, regardless of their current technical proficiency, can effectively navigate and utilise the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS). They also stressed the key need for ongoing support mechanisms to promptly address any technical challenges and user queries that may arise as the system rolls out. These points collectively noted a strong demand for full preparedness that extends beyond mere technological implementation, focusing intently on user readiness and accessibility to facilitate a smooth and equitable transition to the new digital platform for all stakeholders.
Call to Action
Mr. Darboe contended that the new platform would not only simplify compliance procedures for businesses but also significantly reduce opportunities for fraud and corruption within the tax system. He further emphasized that ITAS is expected to significantly enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, a critical objective for national development. These benefits, he stressed, are core objectives of the Integrated Tax Administration System's implementation, aiming to foster a more efficient, transparent, and equitable tax environment for all Gambians.
