By: Aminata Sesay
As Sierra Leone embraces its transition to a digital economy, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has pledged to make its taxation systems more fair, flexible, and accessible particularly for the country’s growing digital workforce.
Speaking at the Sierra Leone Innovates: Digital Government Summit, Commissioner General Jeneba J. Bangura underscored the need for tax administration to evolve in step with the realities of a mobile, tech-driven generation. During a high-level panel discussion under the theme “From Vision to Impact,” Mrs. Bangura affirmed that the NRA is not only embracing digital transformation but is intentionally designing systems to meet the unique needs of digital workers.
“We are building for the present and the future,” she declared. “Whether you’re a freelancer, a remote worker, or a Sierra Leonean entrepreneur running an online business from abroad, our systems are designed to include you.”
Her remarks highlighted the changing landscape of work and income generation from tech startups and digital marketing to remote consultancy and e-commerce. She noted that the NRA’s new digital platforms enable: Flexible tax filing, Real-time access to tax information, Streamlined cross-border compliance.
These innovations are designed to eliminate bureaucratic barriers and make it easier for both local and diaspora-based taxpayers to fulfill their obligations.
In an era where many governments struggle to keep pace with digital change, the NRA’s reforms position Sierra Leone as a regional model for adaptive governance. By reducing friction and enhancing transparency, the Authority is building public trust and encouraging voluntary compliance, especially among individuals traditionally outside the formal tax system.
Mrs. Bangura also emphasized that successful digital transformation requires inter-agency collaboration, policy alignment, and a shared vision for inclusive governance.
“This is not just about software or platforms,” she said. “It’s about systems that communicate, that are people-centered, and that serve citizensm wherever they are.”
As the summit explored how innovation can reshape public service delivery, the NRA’s forward-thinking approach stood out as a blueprint for inclusive digital taxation offering a future-ready solution for a new class of earners in Sierra Leone’s evolving economy.