LIBERIA: LRA Domestic Resource Mobilization Boost …As Capacity Development Project Ends With $2.6M
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and the Swedish Tax Agency (STA) celebrated a major achievement today with the successful conclusion of the Institutional Capacity Development Project (ICDP) aimed at enhancing the LRA’s capabilities.
Initiated in 2019 with funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), this project has significantly bolstered the LRA’s ability to mobilize domestic resources while addressing essential operational challenges.
At the event, Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah highlighted the transformative nature of this partnership, noting its critical role in advancing the LRA’s mission to improve revenue administration in Liberia.
“This collaboration exemplifies how technical cooperation can drive sustainable development. The insights gained will continue to influence the LRA’s evolution as we work towards our Domestic Resource Mobilization Strategy,” he stated.
The ICDP has yielded impressive results by focusing on three essential areas vital for the LRA’s growth and efficiency:
The project prioritized modernizing taxpayer interactions to boost engagement and satisfaction. Initiatives included establishing a one-stop-shop service to streamline processes, launching a dedicated call center for improved communication, and creating a comprehensive external communication strategy to better connect with taxpayers.
Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, the ICDP emphasized workforce development through leadership training programs and targeted capacity-building initiatives designed to enhance staff expertise within the LRA.
The project introduced sector-specific strategies to improve revenue collection. A significant achievement was the implementation of targeted compliance measures for the construction industry, leading to increased revenue collection and better adherence to tax regulations.
Former Deputy Commissioner General for Technical Affairs, Attorney Decontee T. King-Sackie, expressed gratitude to STA for establishing a robust foundation for the LRA, while STA Resident Advisor Kristian Paulsson commended the dedication and professionalism of LRA staff as key factors in the project’s success.
Carl-Henrik Jacobsson, Program Director at the Swedish Embassy, reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s tax administration and domestic resource mobilization, emphasizing that this partnership highlights the significance of collaboration in achieving fiscal sustainability and long-term development.
As the project concludes, Commissioner General Jallah reiterated the LRA’s ambition to become a world-class revenue authority. “If others can achieve it, so can we,” he remarked, stressing the importance of maintaining the momentum generated by the ICDP.With a total budget of 23 million SEK (approximately US$2.6 million), this initiative underscores a significant investment in strengthening Liberia’s tax systems.
Assistant Commissioner for Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance, Nyankor Mathews, provided an overview of ICDP achievements, including a comprehensive tax gap analysis, construction of the Large Taxpayers Office, and experiential learning opportunities facilitated through collaboration with STA and other revenue authorities like the Kenya Revenue Authority.
Deputy Commissioner General for Administrative Affairs, Samuel Bennett Jr., praised STA and the Swedish Government for their knowledge-sharing efforts that were instrumental in realizing the LRA’s vision of elevating revenue collection to unprecedented levels.
Ernest Saah Freeman, Director for Naturalization at the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), noted that capacity-building efforts from this partnership have significantly enhanced services provided at borders, particularly in collaboration with customs departments.
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