The National Revenue Authority has on Friday 15th December 2023 commenced a Three Day Board/Management Retreat at the Place Resort, Tokeh. The theme of the Retreat is “Strengthening Digitalization for Improved Revenue Generation” in a bid to drive economic boost and reinforce the resilient of all NRA reform systems.
The retreat commenced with an inspiring opening address by Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara the Board Chairperson of the NRA who highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability in navigating the challenges of the modern economic landscape.
Emphasizing the need for a proactive approach, Tuma Gento-Kamara 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 that the retreat aimed to chart a path towards sustainable revenue generation and economic development in a bid to support government fiscal policies.
In her statement, the Acting Commissioner General, Mrs. Ann Marie Baby Harding gave a summary on the state of affairs of the Authority and equally so outlined the successes and challenges the NRA has experienced. Mrs. Harding gave a summary of the Domestic Revenue Generation from January to November totalling NLe 9. 095 billion which is 27% higher than what was collected for the entire 2023.
The keynote speaker was Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education who posited that digitalization is an appropriate approach in rolling out tax education initiatives to enhance tax compliance. The Minister argued that we have a huge deficit in tax education, which is why a lot of efforts should be directed on educating the public. While acknowledging the importance of the role that NRA plays in revenue generation, the guest speaker, Abdu Muwonge , the World Bank Country Manager expressed 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 analytics, 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
NATIONAL REVENUE AUTHORITY
RENSIS HOUSE, 5 GLOUCESTER STREET, FREETOWN.
