09/07/2025
THE LAUNCHING OF THE ELECTRONIC INVOICING (E-INVOICING) SYSTEM FOR VAT with AVATAR TECHNOLOGIES
In a landmark moment for The Gambia’s journey towards a modern, digital economy, GRA and the Ministry of Finance & Economic Affairs officially launched the Electronic Invoicing (E-Invoicing) Project on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025. The high-level ceremony took place at the Ministry’s boardroom.
This brought together an esteemed gathering of senior government officials, representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Development partners, media, and stakeholders from the private sector. Central to this occasion was the presence of the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Yankuba Darboe, who delivered the keynote address to set the tone for the day’s proceedings.
A Transformative Vision: Statement by Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe
Opening the floor with optimism and pride, Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe described the launch as “the beginning of a transformative journey in the history of tax administration in The Gambia.” His statement was a compelling call to embrace digital innovation, transparency, and accountability in revenue management.
In his address, Mr. Darboe acknowledged and commended the pivotal role played by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Directorate of the Ministry of Finance in the project’s conception and design. He also praised the dedication of the Technical Committee responsible for the transparent and diligent recruitment process that led to the selection of Worldwide AVATAR Technologies as the implementing partner.
He described the E-Invoicing initiative as a milestone in GRA’s digitalization agenda, underscoring its potential to revolutionize the way tax is administered and collected. “This project symbolizes our commitment to building a modern, transparent, and efficient tax administration system that serves the best interest of our country, our businesses, and our taxpayers,” he affirmed.
Mr. Darboe recalled his recent due diligence mission to Côte d’Ivoire, where he and a delegation of officials studied the VAT E-Invoicing implementation model firsthand. The insights gained from that mission laid the foundation for this locally contextualized digital solution. “We listened, we learned, and we have decided to adopt. Today, I am proud to say that we are initiating our own journey towards achieving even more,” he declared.
He elaborated on the numerous benefits of the system, including:
Accurate and real-time invoicing for improved VAT compliance
Reduced administrative burden for businesses
Enhanced data integrity, reducing tax fraud and evasion
Increased national revenue for development
Stronger trust between the GRA and taxpayers
“This is not just a win for the GRA. It is a win for every Gambian,” Mr. Darboe stressed, connecting the success of this initiative to the country’s broader developmental goals, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and inclusive progress.
He further reassured the business community, stating, “This new system is not a trap. It is a tool designed to support you,” pledging GRA’s full support in ensuring a smooth, informed, and inclusive transition. Training, guidance, and public engagement will be central to implementation, he confirmed.
A Message of Partnership and Progress
Representatives of Worldwide AVATAR Technologies, including Mr. Nicolas St. Remy and Mr. Ali Hassan, expressed their deep appreciation for the opportunity to partner with The Gambia on such a historic undertaking.
The ceremony reached its symbolic peak with a powerful endorsement and official launch by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy Keita. His remarks reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to reform, digitization, and inclusive development. The Minister emphasized that the E-Invoicing project is not just a technological upgrade, but a foundational pillar in The Gambia’s long-term strategy for revenue mobilization and good governance.
As the launch concluded, it became clear that The Gambia is stepping confidently into a future where technology strengthens public trust, enhances service delivery, and empowers businesses. The E-Invoicing project marks a new era, one where each dalasi is accounted for with integrity and used to build the nation.
“We are not just launching a system,” Mr. Darboe concluded. “We are launching trust, accountability, and progress.”
