By: Nyima Sillah
President Adama Barrow has hailed Gambian taxpayers as the bedrock of national development, describing them as pillars of progress during the 7th Annual Taxpayers’ Award Ceremony held yesterday at Coco Ocean Resort.
In his keynote address, President Barrow underscored the critical role of domestic revenue in national advancement. “The economy is fundamentally tax-based, and you, the taxpayers, are the foundation of our nation’s progress,” he stated.
He commended citizens for their tax compliance, which he said has enabled substantial government investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and civil service reforms. He cited a remarkable rise in tax revenue from D7.9 billion in 2017 to D20.83 billion in 2024 an increase of 163.7%. This, he noted, is due to sound economic policies and the digitization of tax processes.
The president reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening tax administration and building a self-reliant economy.
Finance Minister Seedy Keita described tax as “the lifeblood that fuels national development,” highlighting its role in funding a 30% increase in the civil service wage bill and ongoing road projects through local revenue. “For the first time in our history, we’ve funded the national budget for over 10 months using domestic revenue,” he said.
Keita also revealed new fiscal measures in the 2025 policy, including duty exemptions on agricultural equipment and reduced withholding taxes for suppliers and contractors. He said the reforms aim to foster a business-friendly climate and strengthen the social contract between government and citizens.
Newly appointed GRA Board Chairman Dawda Ndure thanked the President for his trust, calling his appointment both a privilege and a challenge. “Revenue targets have been set astronomically high, but through the family spirit within GRA, we will meet them,” he assured.
Ndure vowed to prioritize transparency and accountability while implementing the Authority’s new Corporate Strategic Plan (2025–2029).
This year’s ceremony recognized top performing taxpayers, with Africell once again emerging as the largest taxpayer.
