By Amos Harris
The Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), James Dorbor Jallah, has called for the establishment of effective, transparent, and equitable tax systems across Africa. He stressed that these measures remain the most reliable means of mobilizing domestic resources to finance the continent’s development agenda.
Mr. Jallah made the remarks at the close of the 7th High-Level Policy Dialogue and 21st General Assembly of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), which concluded Friday in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Describing taxation as “a cornerstone of sovereignty, good governance, and inclusive growth,” Commissioner General Jallah asserted that African states must prioritize fair and transparent tax policies to build citizens’ trust and strengthen national institutions.
“As we depart Freetown, let us carry with us a shared conviction: that by standing together, strengthening our institutions, and deepening collaboration, we can build tax systems that not only raise revenue but also inspire trust and fuel the transformation of our nations,” he noted.
Key Outcomes for Domestic Resource Mobilization
The weeklong gathering, held under the theme “Financing Development Through Effective Tax Systems,” brought together policymakers, tax administrators, civil society actors, private sector representatives, and international partners.
In an outcome statement delivered by WATAF Executive Secretary Jules Tapsoba, delegates emphasized the urgency of scaling up domestic resource mobilization in the face of declining donor support. Participants highlighted several key areas for reform:
- Institutional Capacity: Strengthening institutional capacity and improving compliance.
- Digitization: Investing in tools such as e-invoicing and mobile platforms and building frameworks to effectively tax the digital economy.
- Public Finance: Reforming public financial management to enhance accountability and fiscal discipline.
Delegates also underscored the importance of peer learning and regional cooperation to accelerate reforms and avoid costly mistakes.
Focus on Fairness, Accountability, and the Informal Sector
The Dialogue placed strong emphasis on fairness and accountability as the foundation of tax compliance. Civil society and the media were recognized as key partners in promoting transparency, while taxpayer education was flagged as essential in closing the information gap.
Regarding the informal sector, which dominates many African economies, participants urged governments to design policies that gradually bring operators into the tax net without imposing heavy burdens. Instead, attention should be directed toward high-net-worth individuals and measures such as tax stamps to curb smuggling.
A Call to Invest in Revenue Authorities
A major consensus emerging from the conference was a strong appeal for governments and finance ministries to increase funding and political support for revenue authorities.
Speakers stressed that revenue agencies must be viewed as investment hubs, not cost centers. “The more governments invest in their revenue authorities, the more revenue will be collected to finance sustainable national development,” delegates agreed.
WATAF Council Chair, Talato Eliane Djiguemde-Ouedraogo, Director General of Burkina Faso’s Revenue Authority, described the Dialogue as both timely and productive. She noted that the conference outcomes align with Africa’s Vision 2050, Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“Tax administrations of the region operate in a complex environment, but with political will, institutional commitment, and private sector trust, we can transform the future,” she said.
The Dialogue concluded with renewed determination among West African tax leaders to build resilient, transparent, and inclusive tax systems capable of reducing aid dependence and driving Africa’s transformation agenda.
Comments are closed.