By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has rallied regional efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization at the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) policy forum held in Freetown. Against the backdrop of mounting global economic challenges, Dr. Jalloh emphasized that West African nations must increasingly rely on internal resources to achieve sustainable development.
In his address to the forum, the Vice President highlighted the urgent need to reform Sierra Leone’s tax administration. He advocated for enhanced transparency, the integration of digital tools, and stronger regional collaboration. He emphasized that revenue mobilization is “inextricably linked to our development aspirations,” and is fundamental to driving economic growth.
The WATAF forum brought together tax administrators, experts, and policymakers from across West Africa to share innovative strategies for improving tax collection and administration. Key discussions focused on modernizing tax policies, leveraging technology for efficient revenue collection, and promoting a culture of voluntary compliance among taxpayers.
Dr. Jalloh urged a shift away from dependence on foreign aid, encouraging West African countries to build strong and sustainable revenue bases that can support national development priorities. He also stressed the importance of regional cooperation in combating cross-border tax evasion and illicit financial flows, which continue to cost the continent billions of dollars annually.
The Vice President’s message resonated with forum participants, highlighting the urgency for decisive, coordinated action to strengthen domestic tax systems. By prioritizing internal revenue generation, Sierra Leone and its regional partners aim to pave a more resilient and inclusive path toward economic growth.