VP Jalloh Calls for Stronger Tax Systems to Fund Africa’s Future at 7th High-Level Policy Dialogue.

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has called on African nations to strengthen their tax systems as a sustainable path to financing development and reducing reliance on foreign aid.

Delivering the Keynote address at the 7th High-Level Policy Dialogue and 21st General Assembly of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), held at the Foreign Service Academy, Tower Hill, Freetown, Dr. Jalloh noted that recent global shocks – from COVID-19 to rising prices and the war in Ukraine, have exposed the vulnerability of African economies.

 “There is no better time than now to look inward and mobilize resources for our own progress,” he stressed.

The Hon. Vice President highlighted taxation as more than figures on paper, describing it as the foundation for schools, hospitals, and better livelihoods.

He explained that, strong and transparent tax systems not only reduce leakages but also build trust and accountability between governments and citizens.

“If our revenue capacity is weak, our development will be weak. But with stronger systems, we can turn people’s hopes into progress,” Dr. Jalloh emphasized.

He further stated the importance of digitalization, legal reforms, and regional hcooperation in broadening Africa’s tax base without overburdening citizens.

He urged African states to share experiences, learn from one another, and replicate best practices across borders.

Declaring the forum open, he expressed confidence that WATAF would continue to provide a platform for building fairer and stronger economies in West Africa.

In her welcome statement earlier, , Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura, Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), described effective taxation as “the bridge between Africa’s ambitions and the reality of sustainable development.”

She emphasized that taxes are not abstract figures but lifelines that fund education, healthcare, infrastructure, and opportunities for citizens.

 “Financing development through effective tax systems is not just a topic for discussion, it is the central challenge and opportunity of our time,” she noted.

Mrs. Bangura acknowledged persistent gaps caused by tax base erosion, illicit financial flows, and the challenges of taxing the digital economy, stressing that no country can address these issues alone.

She called for regional cooperation and urged participants to craft practical and innovative solutions that build trust between governments, businesses, and citizens.

Closing on a lighter note, she invited delegates to experience Sierra Leone’s hospitality, from the historic capital to scenic beaches, while carrying forward their commitment to transparent and efficient tax systems.

In his remarks, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, called for a fair balance between the needs of businesses and the government’s duty to mobilize resources for development.

He stressed the importance of predictable, flexible, and business-friendly taxation.

“We must create a space where entrepreneurs can thrive while ensuring the government has the resources to meet its obligations,” he said.

The Minister also encouraged simplification of tax policies to boost compliance and stressed the value of cross-country knowledge-sharing, particularly as nations prepare budgets and design new measures.

He welcomed WATAF delegates “back home” to Freetown and expressed optimism that their discussions would shape growth-oriented and development-driven tax systems.

The Executive Secretary of WATAF, Mr. Jules Tapsoba, hailed the Freetown gathering as a milestone, marking over a decade of the forum’s work to strengthen tax administrations.

Since its founding in 2011, he said, WATAF has united 16 member countries to build capacity, mobilize domestic resources, and advocate with one voice on global tax issues.

He presented the forum’s new 2026–2028 Strategic and Action Plans, focusing on improving VAT management, tackling illicit financial flows, and deepening collaboration with the private sector.

Thanking the Government of Sierra Leone and its partners for their support, Mr. Tapsoba urged delegates to use the meeting to reinforce regional unity and ensure tax systems play a central role in Africa’s sustainable development.

The dialogue ended with renewed optimism that West Africa can build fairer, stronger, and more resilient tax systems to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across the region.