Announcements

By Shannon A. L. Scott
The Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh yesterday Tuesday 16th September, 2025 launched the 7th High-Level Policy Dialogue and the 21st General Assembly of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) successfully hosted by the National Revenue Authority (NRA), under the leadership of Commissioner General, Jeneba J. Bangura held at the Foreign Affairs Academy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tower Hill, Freetown.

The high-profile regional event brought together tax experts, policymakers, and delegates from across West Africa and beyond to engage in strategic discussions under the theme: “Financing Development through Effective Tax Systems.”

Delivering the keynote statement, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized the urgent need for low-income countries to reduce dependence on external assistance and commit to financing their own development.

“There is no better time than now for West African countries to shift their priorities to domestic revenue mobilisation,” VP Juldeh Jalloh declared.
“We must take bold action to build strong revenue bases that support national development goals.”
Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to fiscal reform, the Vice President outlined ongoing government efforts to; Achieve a 15% tax-to-GDP ratio,

Improve tax efficiency, transparency, and equity, Expand the tax base without overburdening citizens, Strengthen legal enforcement through robust tax courts, Improve the macroeconomic environment to attract investment.

He stressed the link between revenue capacity and state capacity: “Without strong revenue capacity, the state’s ability to deliver development is severely limited.”

The dialogue also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and peer learning among West African countries, with successful domestic revenue strategies from Liberia, The Gambia, and Senegal showcased as examples worth replicating. “We must share knowledge and apply comparative lessons to raise our domestic revenue-to-GDP ratio,” VP Jalloh added.

In her statement, Commissioner General Jeneba J. Bangura warmly welcomed delegates on behalf of the NRA Board of Directors and Management, underscoring the importance of the gathering in advancing shared regional goals.

“As a proud member of WATAF, it is my great honour and privilege to welcome all of you to this 7th High-Level Policy Dialogue,” she said. “We converge here today at a critical juncture in our region’s development.” Commissioner Bangura stressed that achieving a prosperous, just, and sustainable West Africa, as envisioned in the African Union Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and various national development plans require a fundamental rethinking of domestic financing.

“Strong tax systems are the lifeblood of a well-functioning state. With smart taxation, we can fund schools, equip hospitals, build infrastructure, and create opportunities to lift people out of poverty,” she noted.

She further explained that countries with stronger tax systems often record higher literacy rates and longer life expectancy, citing this as evidence of the transformative power of effective public finance.

She urged participants and panelists to be bold, pragmatic, and innovative in their contributions, while sharing both successes and setbacks to strengthen regional collaboration.

Sierra Leone pledged its continued support for WATAF and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the Forum’s mission across regional and international platforms.