In West Africa, enhancing the efficiency of tax administration has emerged as a pivotal factor in driving regional economic growth. A well-functioning tax system, operating like a precision machine, can stabilize government revenues and improve public services. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is actively supporting West African nations in achieving this goal.
Tailored Capacity-Building for The Gambia
From July 15 to 19, 2013, under the framework of the West Africa Customs Modernization (WACAM) project—funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)—a WCO expert team provided customized capacity-building support to The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), with a focus on Human Resource Management (HRM).
The mission centered on assisting GRA’s HR department in developing a comprehensive HRM strategy, with particular attention to workforce planning and recruitment. The WCO team collaborated closely with GRA officials to analyze existing HR systems, identify critical improvement areas, and propose actionable solutions.
After a week of intensive work, GRA’s HR department finalized a preliminary draft of its HRM strategy and presented it to senior management. The WCO team also submitted a follow-up support plan to ensure sustained progress in modernizing GRA’s HR practices.
GRA’s Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of HR modernization, describing it as essential to achieving the agency’s mission. They commended the HR department’s progress and expressed gratitude for the WCO’s ongoing support.
Key Areas of Support
The WCO experts provided critical assistance in several areas:
- Strategic Framework Development: Helped GRA define the objectives, principles, and priorities of its HRM strategy to align with broader institutional goals.
- Workforce Planning: Analyzed current staff structures and capabilities, projected future HR needs, and developed recruitment and training plans to ensure adequate staffing.
- Recruitment Process Enhancements: Reviewed existing hiring procedures and recommended improvements, including optimized recruitment channels, refined selection criteria, and enhanced interview methods.
- Capacity-Building Training: Conducted specialized training for GRA’s HR staff to strengthen their professional skills and knowledge.
Highlights of the Draft HRM Strategy
The preliminary strategy draft includes:
- Vision and Mission: Outlines HRM’s role in supporting GRA’s overarching objectives.
- Core Values: Emphasizes ethical and professional standards for HR operations.
- Strategic Goals: Sets targets for talent acquisition, development, and retention.
- Action Plans: Details specific measures and timelines for implementation.
Next Steps and Regional Expansion
The WCO’s follow-up plan includes refining the HRM strategy, developing institutional policies, implementing HR information systems, and establishing performance evaluation mechanisms.
The success in Banjul has laid a foundation for similar HR-focused initiatives across West Africa under the WACAM project. The WCO plans to extend tailored support to other countries in the region, aiming to build efficient, modern customs administrations that contribute to economic development.