Published: October 4, 2024
Monrovia – The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has received more than US$100,000 worth of Information Technology equipment from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aimed at supporting the modernization and strengthening of tax administration in Liberia.
This in-kind grant, provided under USAID’s Local Empowerment for Accountability and Decentralization (LEAD) Activity, is part of a broader effort to enhance tax collection systems and increase revenue for the country.
During the official handover ceremony at the LRA Headquarters in Paynesville, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, reaffirmed the U.S. Government’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s revenue mobilization efforts, which he described as a cornerstone for national development.
The donation includes 30 state-of-the-art laptops and various other IT equipment.
“As Liberia transitions from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the Value Added Tax (VAT) system, this equipment will play a pivotal role in improving operational efficiency and accountability, while also fostering public trust in the LRA,” Ambassador Toner said.
He emphasized that a robust tax administration system is fundamental to a nation’s development. “By boosting the LRA’s capacity to collect taxes more effectively, the United States is not only helping to increase revenue but also supporting the enhancement of public services in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure,” he added.
Ambassador Toner also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in revenue management, stating that citizens must see the tangible benefits of their taxes to build confidence in the system.
LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah expressed profound gratitude to USAID for the generous donation and reiterated the LRA’s commitment to its ambitious goal of increasing domestic revenue from US$700 million to US$1 billion in the near future.
“This support from USAID will significantly bolster our efforts to modernize our systems and improve tax collection, which is crucial for Liberia’s development agenda,” Commissioner General Jallah said. He also acknowledged the long-standing contributions of the U.S. to Liberia’s development in areas such as peace, security, health, and education, noting that U.S. support is invaluable.
The LRA continues to drive transformative changes in Liberia’s tax system, aiming to increase revenue generation to support national development goals.
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