Executive Summary
A comprehensive assessment of the Gambia Revenue Authority's (GRA) strategic management capabilities has identified significant strengths in strategic planning but notable challenges in project implementation methodologies. The evaluation, conducted under the World Customs Organization's (WCO) West and Central Africa Capacity Building Programme (WCO-WACAM), involved senior GRA leadership including the Commissioner-General, deputy commissioners, and department heads during October 2017 in Banjul.
The assessment reveals that while GRA has established mature strategic planning processes, its project management framework requires substantial improvement to effectively execute modernization initiatives. Key recommendations focus on four critical areas:
- Enhanced Project Management Training: Developing tiered training programs covering fundamental to advanced project management concepts for all management levels.
- Standardized Project Management Framework: Implementing internationally recognized project management processes, templates, and digital tools.
- Strategic Monitoring Optimization: Strengthening performance tracking mechanisms with balanced financial and operational metrics.
- Knowledge Transfer Initiatives: Facilitating regional best practice exchanges and establishing internal knowledge management systems.
Strategic Context
Institutional Background
The Gambia Revenue Authority serves as the primary revenue collection agency for the Gambian government, administering tax policies, enforcement activities, and taxpayer services. Its Corporate Strategic Plan (2015-2019) outlines modernization objectives including revenue growth, service improvement, and organizational capacity building.
Assessment Methodology
The evaluation employed multiple research methods:
- Document review of strategic plans and performance reports
- Structured interviews with 28 senior executives
- Employee surveys across operational departments
- Comparative analysis against WCO global standards
Key Findings
Strategic Planning
GRA demonstrates structured strategic planning processes but faces implementation challenges:
- Strategic objectives require more granular operationalization
- Limited cross-functional participation in planning
- Insufficient flexibility to adapt to fiscal policy changes
Project Management
Project execution capabilities show significant gaps:
- No standardized project lifecycle methodology
- Underutilization of digital project management tools
- Inconsistent risk management practices
- Project teams often lack dedicated training
Performance Monitoring
The assessment identified weaknesses in strategic oversight:
- Overemphasis on financial metrics versus operational indicators
- Data collection processes require quality improvements
- Performance evaluation lacks standardized criteria
Implementation Roadmap
The report proposes a phased improvement program:
Short-Term Priorities (0-6 months)
- Establish Project Management Office (PMO)
- Launch foundational PM training curriculum
- Develop standardized project templates
Medium-Term Initiatives (6-18 months)
- Implement balanced scorecard performance system
- Digitize project monitoring processes
- Conduct regional best practice exchanges
Long-Term Transformation (18-36 months)
- Full integration of strategic planning and execution systems
- Enterprise-wide knowledge management platform
- Advanced analytics for performance forecasting
Conclusion
The assessment positions GRA at a critical juncture in its modernization journey. By addressing identified gaps in project execution and performance management, the authority can significantly enhance its strategic implementation capabilities. Successful reforms would not only strengthen domestic revenue mobilization but also establish GRA as a regional reference for tax administration excellence.