By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), in partnership with the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), has launched a high-level training workshop aimed at strengthening staff capacity on Value Added Tax (VAT) in cross-border transactions, a key area in modern tax administration.
The workshop held yesterday brought together top management, operational staff, auditors, lawyers, and policy officers from GRA, alongside international experts from Kenya and Zambia. The technical assistance mission is part of GRA’s ongoing commitment to modernizing tax administration and aligning domestic tax practices with regional and global standards.
Speaking at the opening session, Abou Sallah, GRA’s Tax Manager and ATAF Country Correspondent, highlighted the importance of capacity building for staff in VAT administration. “This technical mission comes at a critical time as cross-border trade continues to grow. Our staff will deepen their understanding of VAT applications, strengthen compliance mechanisms, and improve efficiency in revenue collection,” he said. Sallah acknowledged ATAF’s long-standing support, noting that GRA has benefited from extensive training in audits, data analytics, and investigations over the years.
Mr. Nickson Omondi, VAT expert from the Kenya Revenue Authority and ATAF mission lead, emphasized the role of VAT in African economies, accounting for up to a third of revenue in some countries. He noted that compliance challenges, narrow tax bases, and instances of fraud have hindered VAT collection across the continent. The training, he said, would equip participants with best practices, digital solutions, and peer-learning opportunities to address these challenges effectively.
Deputy Commissioner General Essa Jallow stressed the strategic importance of the workshop. “VAT in cross-border transactions is increasingly critical for modern tax administration. This training ensures our staff are well-prepared to design and implement effective mechanisms that promote fair, efficient, and transparent taxation,” he said. Jallow urged participants to maximize the opportunity, not only to learn but also to disseminate knowledge to colleagues across the authority.
The week-long workshop will equip GRA staff with practical skills to enhance cross-border VAT administration, reduce compliance gaps, and strengthen the authority’s overall revenue collection framework, advancing The Gambia’s journey toward a modern and efficient tax system.
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By: Fatou Krubally The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), in partnership with the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), has launched a…
The post GRA Trains Staff On VAT in Cross-Border Transactions appeared first on .
