The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe recently delivered a motivational speech at the maiden National Career Fest 2026, urging young people to prioritize character, skills, discipline, and patience alongside their education. The event, hosted by the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust Fund (THET Fund) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), noted the evolving demands of the job market and the critical need for full personal and professional development among the youth.
Commissioner General Darboe emphasized that "education matters, but character, skills, discipline and patience matter just as much." He advised attendees that "young people must not wait for the future to happen to them. They must prepare for it, shape it and position themselves to benefit from it." Darboe added that "education should be seen as the starting point of a journey, not the final destination." He noted that "qualifications alone are no longer enough in a world being transformed by artificial intelligence, automation and digital commerce." According to Darboe, employers now seek "problem-solvers, communicators, team players, critical thinkers and digitally literate young people," and that "the future will reward those who prepare now. In other words, youth empowerment is not a slogan; it is a discipline." He also stated that "taxation is not a punishment but a collective investment in the country’s future."
Skills for the Modern Workforce
Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe emphasized that young people need to focus on aspects beyond formal education, stating that "education matters, but character, skills, discipline and patience matter just as much." This full approach, he argued, is vital for navigating the complexities of the contemporary job market. He argued that individuals must actively prepare for the future, shape it, and strategically position themselves to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Darboe insisted that academic "qualifications alone are no longer enough in a world being transformed by artificial intelligence, automation and digital commerce." He added that employers now seek specific attributes, stating, "Employers, he argued, now want problem-solvers, communicators, team players, critical thinkers and digitally literate young people." This shift in employer demand shows the necessity for a broader skill set beyond traditional academic achievements.
Darboe urged young people to continuously learn, develop new skills, and strengthen their character rather than passively awaiting opportunities. He encouraged job seekers to engage in practical experiences such as volunteering, internships, and learning a trade. These hands-on experiences, he noted, provide invaluable real-world skills and demonstrate initiative. Additionally, he advised them to consider starting small businesses and acquiring essential digital skills, which are increasingly indispensable in nearly every sector. The Commissioner General stressed that proactive engagement in skill-building and character development would differentiate young professionals in a competitive landscape. Looking ahead, Darboe announced that the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) plans to offer employment opportunities from 2027. These roles will be available to top-performing graduates in Economics, Accounting, Computer Science, and IT from recognized tertiary institutions within The Gambia, contingent on meeting specific recruitment requirements and procedures. This initiative aims to attract and retain highly skilled young Gambians within the public service, contributing to the nation's economic development.
Darboe's Path and GRA Reforms
Yankuba Darboe has served as the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) since 2014, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. His career within the public service began in Customs and Excise, where he developed a deep understanding of revenue collection and trade facilitation. Darboe disclosed that he initially declined the Commissioner General position twice, accepting it only when he felt adequately prepared for the significant responsibilities of the role. This deliberate approach, he suggested, notes the importance of readiness and self-assessment in leadership.
Under Darboe's leadership, the GRA has initiated full reforms focusing on digital transformation, enforcement of tax compliance, and efforts to broaden the tax base without increasing existing tax rates. The authority has implemented several technological advancements to streamline its operations and improve revenue collection efficiency and transparency. These reforms include the introduction of e-invoicing, a modern system designed to enhance transaction tracking and reduce manual errors. The Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) has also been deployed, providing a unified platform for managing various tax processes. Additionally, the GRA has launched digital tax stamps and an e-tracking system for transit cargo to enhance monitoring and reduce illicit trade, thereby safeguarding national revenues. A single window for customs clearance has been established, aiming to simplify import and export processes, reduce processing times, and improve the ease of doing business in The Gambia. Further technological integrations include a fuel integrity solution and a digital weighbridge installed at the port, designed to improve accuracy and efficiency in revenue collection related to fuel and cargo, minimizing potential leakages and ensuring fair taxation. These reforms collectively aim to create a more efficient, transparent, and equitable tax system.
Taxation as National Investment
Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe explained that taxation serves as the fundamental mechanism to finance essential public services, which are critical for national development and the well-being of citizens. He detailed that taxes directly fund the construction and maintenance of classrooms, ensuring access to education for the nation's youth. They also support hospitals, providing vital healthcare services across the country. Tax revenues are allocated to infrastructure projects such as roads, which facilitate trade, connectivity, and economic growth. Scholarships, security services, and the broader state machinery, including public administration and governance, are all sustained through the collection of taxes.
Darboe framed taxation as a collective investment in The Gambia's future, emphasizing that every contribution, no matter how small, plays a role in building a stronger nation. He characterized it as a patriotic duty for citizens, noting the shared responsibility in contributing to national development and public welfare. This perspective aims to foster a greater understanding and acceptance of tax obligations among the populace.
The GRA reported a significant collection of D25.3 billion in 2025. This impressive figure represented a substantial 21 percent increase compared to the previous year's collection, demonstrating the positive impact of the reforms and compliance efforts undertaken by the authority. This growth in revenue is key for the government's ability to fund its development agenda and public services. For the year 2026, the GRA has been set a new and ambitious target of D27.5 billion, showing the ongoing commitment to maximizing domestic resource mobilization and ensuring fiscal sustainability for The Gambia.