BANJUL, The Gambia – May 5, 2025 | Real Muloodi News | The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has officially launched its new Rental Tax Compliance System (rTCS) in partnership with RippleNami, a U.S.-based data technology company. The launch marks a major advancement in the digitisation of The Gambia’s tax administration.
The system went live on May 1st, 2025, with staff training held on May 5th, aimed at strengthening tax compliance, improving data accuracy, and increasing revenue collection from rental income.
The rTCS draws inspiration from Uganda’s remarkable success with the same platform, introduced at the end of the 2021–2022 fiscal year, in which Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) collected UGX 155.93 billion in rental tax revenues.
By the 2023–2024 tax year, that figure had surged to UGX 275.59 billion—representing an increase of 76.76%, largely attributed to the intelligence and automation features of the rTCS.
rTCS uses satellite imagery to geolocate properties and advanced data science to match them to their legal owners. The system cross-references various databases to detect occupancy and verify rental activity.
In Uganda, integration with electricity and water utilities (UMEME and NWSC) enabled tax authorities to identify undeclared income through utility consumption patterns—an innovation now poised to benefit The Gambia.
Speaking at the GRA training, Project Manager Mr. Nuha Manneh walked participants through the system’s background and highlighted the hurdles overcome to reach this launch stage.
Mr. Maar Sarr, Deputy Commissioner for Small and Medium Taxpayers, emphasised the expanding rental market in The Gambia and how rTCS will strengthen data accuracy and streamline collection.
Mr. Fafanding Cham, Deputy Commissioner for Large Income Taxpayers, urged participants to become “Master Trainers” and champion the system’s use across the organisation, reinforcing the importance of sustained knowledge transfer for long-term success.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, Mr. John S.L. Gomez, Director of Internal Audit and Acting Commissioner General, stressed the GRA’s rising mandate to mobilise domestic resources and meet growing national demands.
“Digital solutions like the Rental Tax Compliance System are central to our new corporate strategy,” he noted. “We are committed to automating workflows, expanding the tax base, and improving overall compliance.”
This system launch is part of a broader effort by the GRA to modernise its infrastructure and align with best practices across the continent. By adopting intelligent compliance tools like rTCS, the Authority is better equipped to support The Gambia’s national development through efficient and equitable revenue collection.
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