By: Saidu Jalloh
A high-level delegation from the West Africa Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), hosted by the National Revenue Authority (NRA) Commissioner General Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura, paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, on Monday to strengthen regional tax collaboration.
The delegation, led by WATAF Executive Secretary Mr. Jules Tapsoba and WATAF Chairman Mrs. Eliane Talato Djigueemde-Ouedraogo (who also serves as the Director General of the Burkina Faso Revenue Authority), arrived in Freetown ahead of the 7th WATAF High-Level Policy Dialogue on “Financing Development Through Effective Tax Systems,” scheduled for September 15–19, 2025.
During their engagement, the visiting officials shared valuable insights from their respective countries’ experiences in revenue generation and tax administration. They expressed optimism that the exchange of knowledge and expertise at the upcoming WATAF deliberations would benefit all member states. Both Mr. Tapsoba and Mrs. Djigueemde-Ouedraogo also commended Commissioner General Bangura for her visionary leadership in organizing the event.
Commissioner General Bangura emphasized the importance of the WATAF meeting in enhancing tax administration capacity across the region, describing it as a crucial platform for collaboration, innovation, and the sharing of best practices.
In his remarks, Minister Bangura warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional tax cooperation. He underscored the vital role of WATAF in promoting modern tax administration practices across West Africa.
The meeting concluded with both sides pledging to deepen cooperation and improve efficiency in tax systems across the member states.