By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
ACCRA, Saturday, September 20, 2026 — Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority (NRA) has taken centre stage at Africa’s biggest tax forum, pushing for bold reforms on digital taxation and winning continental recognition for its contribution to regional tax cooperation.
The NRA made a strong impression at the 23rd General Assembly and 8th High-Level Policy Dialogue of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) held in Accra, Ghana, from September 15 to 19.
The five-day forum, held under the theme “Building Stronger Tax Administrations for Revenue Mobilisation and Sustainable Development,” brought together tax administrators, policymakers, development partners and international experts to chart a new path for domestic revenue mobilisation in Africa.
Sierra Leone’s delegation was led by Deputy Commissioner General II, Edmond B. Nonie, with Senior Commissioner Ibrahim Sorie Kamara leading technical inputs on the taxation of the digital economy.
A major focus of Sierra Leone’s presentation was the booming digital economy, particularly mobile money transactions, which remain largely under-taxed across the region.
Senior Commissioner Kamara called on WATAF to take the lead in guiding member states on how to tax the digital space.
“WATAF should develop practicing notes that members should be using to guide the taxing of the digital economy, while incorporating them in our local legislations,” Kamara told delegates.
Contributing to the fourth panel on Future-Ready Tax Administration: Digital Transformation, Innovation and Data-Driven Compliance, Deputy Commissioner General II, Edmond Nonie, warned that tax authorities must prepare for disruptive technologies.
“A future-ready tax institution is not only about technology and software. We must also consider how new technologies will affect future revenue. Wider use of electric vehicles could reduce petroleum excise, and AI replacing human workers could reduce PAYE collections. Tax authorities must plan for this changing landscape,” Nonie said.
The 2026 Assembly was historic, marking 15 years of WATAF’s existence, having trained over 5,000 tax officials and built strong regional and international partnerships since 2011.
At the climax of the forum, the NRA was honoured and awarded at the WATAF Gala and Dinner for its outstanding contributions to regional tax cooperation.
The forum ended with a clear message — the future of tax collection in Africa will be driven by data, technology, innovation and stronger cross-border cooperation.
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