Gambia elected to ATAF Council as Africa pushes to finance its own development

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) joined tax administrators from across Africa in Cairo, Egypt, for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), held from 1 to 5 November 2026 under the theme: “The Tax Revenue Imperative: Africa’s Path to Financing Its Own Development.”The meetings brought together 460 participants from 38 ATAF member states, development partners, regional organisations, academia, civil society and the private sector to deliberate on strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation and advancing Africa’s financial self-reliance.Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy M.K. Keita, was invited as a keynote speaker. He addressed the gathering on “The Compromiso de Sevilla: An Africa Audit on a Global Compact,” emphasising the importance of translating the commitments made in Sevilla into meaningful results by nationalising reforms.The GRA delegation was led by Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, who participated in a panel discussion on Domestic Resource Mobilisation. The discussion highlighted the need for tax reforms responsive to the economic structures, institutional capacities and development priorities of individual African countries. National ownership and political support were also identified as critical to driving sustainable reforms.Darboe shared The Gambia’s experience in implementing complementary reforms to strengthen revenue administration. He highlighted the modernisation of customs operations through ASYCUDA World, the National Single Window and Electronic Cargo Tracking, as well as plans to modernise domestic tax administration through the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).He also cited partnerships supporting digital excise stamps, fuel marking and telecommunications revenue assurance. These interventions, he said, have improved visibility over taxable activities, strengthened verification and helped address revenue leakages.Darboe further emphasised the importance of properly sequencing reforms, preparing staff and taxpayers for implementation, aligning development partner support with national priorities, and ensuring reforms deliver measurable results.A major highlight was the 9th ATAF General Assembly, held on 4 November 2026, which elected a new Council for the 2026–2028 term.The Gambia was elected as a member of the Council, marking an important milestone in the country’s engagement with the continental tax body and an opportunity to contribute to its strategic direction.ATAF Council 2026–2028:Namibia – Chairperson: Mr Sam ShivuteZimbabwe – Vice Chairperson: Ms Regina ChinamasaSouth Africa – Member: Dr Johnstone MakhubuThe Gambia – Member: Mr Yankuba DarboeBenin – Member: Mr Erick Maxime Mensah Akakpo-DjihountryEgypt – Member: Dr Rasha Abdel AalZambia – Member: Mr Dingani BandaGabon – Member: Ms Edith Laure Oyaya-MbiguidiTanzania – Member: Mr Yusup Juma MwendaMauritius – Member: Mr Rohit RamnawazATAF – Ex officio: Ms Mary Baine, Executive SecretaryThe Council will provide strategic leadership to ATAF, supporting efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, improve tax administration and enhance international tax cooperation across Africa.The Gambia’s election reflects its continued participation in continental efforts to build stronger, more efficient and sustainable revenue administrations in support of Africa’s development financing ambitions.