By Omar Bah
In 2024, The Gambia lost D4.33 billion in duty waivers despite improved revenue from enhanced tax administration.
The government grants these waivers to promote economic growth, attract investment, and support humanitarian efforts, but they also pose challenges, including revenue loss and compliance issues.
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), led by Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, tracks the waivers through a declaration process required from businesses receiving them.
A committee involving the Ministry of Trade, GRA, and GIEPA oversees the Special Investment Certificate process. Additionally, the government has imposed a zero duty and VAT policy on rice imports, requiring only a 5.1% processing fee for importers, which helps collect import data.
