A delegation from the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), on Monday, 15th September 2025, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, as part of preparations for the Forum’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held in Freetown from 15th to 19th September 2025.

Introducing the visiting delegation, Jeneba Bangura expressed gratitude to the Minister for granting the audience, explaining that WATAF was created through a regional agreement to strengthen tax administration across member states. She noted that the upcoming AGM would serve as a high-level policy dialogue focused on financing development through effective and inclusive tax systems.

In her statement, Madam Elaine Djigueemde-Ouedraogo, Chairperson of WATAF and Director General of the Burkina Faso Revenue Authority, thanked the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), for the resources and effort dedicated to ensuring the successful hosting of the AGM.

Minister Bangura welcomed the delegation and underscored that the NRA remains a critical arm of the Ministry of Finance. He stressed that the role of tax administration in achieving the development aspirations of West African countries should be a central theme during discussions. He reaffirmed that the Government of Sierra Leone takes tax matters seriously and looks forward to implementing the recommendations that emerge from the meeting.

Also addressing the gathering, Jules Tapsoba, Executive Director of WATAF, described the meeting as historic since it marks the first time Sierra Leone is hosting the Forum’s AGM. He said WATAF is eager to learn from Sierra Leone’s progress in tax reforms and public financial management. Tapsoba emphasized that strengthening tax systems is vital to funding national development agendas, particularly amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.

The 2025 AGM will bring together tax administrators, policymakers, and development partners to share experiences and strategies aimed at improving tax collection, governance, and service delivery across West Africa

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 17th September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)