The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) convened its High-Level Policy Dialogue and 21st General Assembly in Freetown under the theme “Financing Development Through Effective Tax Systems.”
The meeting brought together commissioners of revenue authorities and tax administrators across West Africa to discuss strategies for strengthening tax systems, closing revenue gaps, and financing sustainable development.
National Revenue Authority (NRA) Commissioner General, Jeneba Bangura, welcomed participants, stressing that effective tax systems are critical to achieving Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, and Sierra Leone’s national development plans. She described taxation as the “lifeblood of a functioning state,” financing education, healthcare, infrastructure, and poverty reduction.
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh officially opened the event, noting Sierra Leone’s honor in hosting the forum. He cited multiple challenges facing African economies, including COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and rising debt burdens. Jalloh said the financing gap for meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals stands at $4 trillion annually, urging countries to adopt innovative approaches to domestic revenue mobilization.
Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating a fair and balanced tax system. He emphasized that taxation should support both national development and private sector growth.
The forum concluded with calls for bold reforms, innovation, and collaboration across member states. Participants underscored that stronger tax systems remain central to financing Africa’s development and securing long-term prosperity.
