The Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) Mrs Ann Marie Baby Harding, has given highlights of progress made by the authority in revenue mobilization.
Mrs Harding made the disclosure at a Three-Day Board/Management Retreat at the Place Resort, Tokeh , in the Western Rural District.
“The Domestic Revenue Generation from January to November amounted to NLe9.095 billion, which is 27% higher than what was collected for the entire 2023,” announced Acting Commissioner-General, Mrs Ann Marie Baby Harding.
The Acting Commissioner-General also gave a summary of the state of affairs of NRA and outlined the successes and challenges the authority has experienced.
The Retreat, convened under the theme: “Strengthening Digitalization for Improved Revenue Generation”, is aimed at boosting economic drive and reinforcing the resilience of all NRA operational reform systems.
The NRA Board Chairperson, Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, underscored the significance of collaboration, innovation and adaptability in navigating the challenges of the modern economic landscape.
Mrs Gento-Kamara emphasised the need for a proactive approach and urged participants to think outside the box and explore new avenues for revenue generation.
“With a focus on strategic planning and innovative approaches,” she averred, “the retreat is aimed charting a path towards sustainable revenue generation and economic development in a bid to support government fiscal policies.
The Minister of Information and Civil Education Chernor Bah describes digitalization as an appropriate approach in rolling out tax education initiatives to enhance compliance. He encouraged all, saying: “We have a huge deficit in tax education, which is why a lot of efforts should be directed on educating the public.”
Acknowledging the importance of NRA in revenue generation, guest speaker Abdu Muwonge, the World Bank Country Manager, informed that tax education and change management schemes are catalyst for consistent revenue growth.
Throughout the first session, attendees engaged in a series of interactive discussions which delved into a wide range of topics, including tax policy reform, digitalization, capacity building, and international best practices in revenue administration.
One of the highlights of the retreat was a discussion on leveraging technology for enhanced revenue collection and administration. Experts shared insights on the successful implementation of digital platforms, data analysts, and automation in revenue management, showcasing real-world case studies from both local and international contexts.
The discussions sparked lively debates and encouraged participants to envision innovative solutions for streamlining processes and maximizing revenue potential.
With renewed energy, a wealth of knowledge, and a shared vision for the future, Day One of the NRA Board/Management Retreat concluded on a high note, setting the stage for a new era of revenue generation, economic progress, and financial transformation in Sierra Leone.
Credit: Public Affairs and Tax Education Unit, NRA
