Kigali, Rwanda – The Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), James Dorbor Jallah, reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation in tax administration and revenue collection during the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Annual Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. Jallah stressed that Liberia must not remain on the sidelines as Africa and the world embrace digital innovations to simplify tax systems and build transparent, efficient revenue mechanisms.
In an interview at the conference, Jallah outlined the LRA’s accomplishments and its ambitious vision for modernization. “Our vision is to automate all systems and digitalize all processes to make tax payment easier and more efficient,” Jallah stated. He spoke following a session titled “Crafting the Future through Digitalization of Tax Administration,” attended by hundreds of tax administrators, development partners, and experts from across Africa. The forum’s agenda included discussions on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and Africa Agenda 2063 through improved revenue systems.
While African tax administrations have leveraged digital tools to enhance efficiency, significant hurdles such as high capital investment, human resource gaps, and varying levels of digital preparedness remain. Nonetheless, nations that have advanced in digitalization have reported transformative gains, reinforcing the need for collective action to fast-track progress.
Jallah highlighted several strides made by the LRA in its digital journey. These include:
- Rolling out electronic fiscal devices to capture real-time transaction data in the merchandising sector.
- Implementing advanced systems such as ASYCUDA and LITAS to streamline customs and tax operations.
- Deploying 50 Starlink devices for improved connectivity at tax and customs offices nationwide.
- Leveraging digital tools for the rollout of the new VAT law, following its recent passage.
Additionally, the LRA plans to integrate its systems with Liberia’s Ministry of Finance, Business Registry, National Identification Registry, Social Security System, and banks to foster transparency and compliance. “Our goal is to create a seamless tax administration system that increases compliance, promotes transparency, and ultimately boosts revenue generation,” Jallah emphasized.
During the ATAF conference, Jallah engaged Commissioner Generals from Zambia, Rwanda, and Eswatini—countries recognized for their success in tax digitalization—to explore strategies and models that could be adapted for Liberia. “Zambia, for example, has progressed to the point of automating their audit department. These collaborations are vital as we tailor proven strategies to fit Liberia’s specific needs,” he remarked.
Upon his return, Jallah plans to spearhead the development of a dedicated digitization strategy aligned with the LRA’s corporate vision. This roadmap will focus on achieving a fully automated and integrated tax system. He also emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration, noting Liberia’s willingness to share expertise with neighboring countries like Gambia and Sierra Leone while learning from others.
This year’s ATAF Meetings, themed “Preparing for the Future: Revenue Administration in a Dynamic Global Landscape,” underscore the critical role of domestic revenue mobilization (DRM) in driving Africa’s economic independence and sustainable development. Jallah affirmed the LRA’s commitment to contributing to this collective vision.
“With the willingness among member states to support one another, the LRA is committed to leveraging the advancements of others while sharing its own expertise,” Jallah said.
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