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The government of Sierra Leone has launched a taskforce aimed at strengthening domestic revenue generation and improving public service delivery.
The newly established Taskforce on Domestic Revenue Mobilisation held its inaugural meeting on Thursday, February 27th, at the Ministry of Finance in Freetown.
The taskforce, formed by Minister of Finance Ahmed Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, comprises key stakeholders, including Deputy Minister of Finance Bockarie Kaloloh (Chairman), National Revenue Authority (NRA) Commissioner General Jeneba Bangura, the Financial Secretary, senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and NRA, and representatives from civil society organizations such as the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) and the Centre for Accountability and the Rule of Law (CARL).
The taskforce’s mandate includes providing technical facilitation for the implementation of the Medium-Term Revenue Strategy and Finance Act, reviewing revenue collection processes, auditing systems, identifying challenges, and proposing recommendations to the government. It will also focus on enhancing transparency, stability, sustainability, efficiency, and integrity within the tax system.
Chairman Bockarie Kaloloh emphasized the critical role of the taskforce in reversing the current state of domestic revenue mobilization and maximizing the country’s revenue potential. He clarified that the taskforce’s establishment is intended to complement, not undermine, the NRA’s efforts. The inclusion of civil society and non-state actors, he said, demonstrates a commitment to transparency and fairness in tax administration.
NRA Board Chairman Kabineh Kallon pledged the board and management’s full support to the taskforce. Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director of CARL, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Finance for including civil society organizations, highlighting their keen interest in the taskforce’s outcomes.
The taskforce will convene weekly to formulate strategic and technical recommendations aimed at improving domestic revenue mobilization. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening its financial base and ensuring sustainable development.
