Monrovia – The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has hosted a farewell and end-of-project program for the Institutional Capacity Development Project (ICDP), a collaborative effort with the Swedish Tax Agency (STA). The project launched in 2019 aimed at strengthening Liberia’s revenue mobilization capabilities. Its launch responded to the institutional gaps outlined in Liberia’s Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Strategy (2018-2022).
By: Siaway T. Miapue- [email protected], contributing writer
Speaking at the event, LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah highlighted the transformative impact of the STA’s technical assistance. “The support from the Swedish Tax Agency has been instrumental in advancing our mission of strengthening revenue administration in Liberia. The outcomes of this project speak volumes about the importance of technical collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals,” he said.
The ICDP, funded with a budget of 23 million SEK (approximately US$2.63 million), addressed critical areas including taxpayer services, human resource development, and compliance risk management. These initiatives were instrumental in laying the groundwork for Liberia’s fiscal sustainability, particularly as the LRA strives to raise US$1 billion annually.
Attorney Decontee T. King-Sackie, former Deputy Commissioner General for Technical Affairs at the LRA, praised the STA for its role in the LRA’s capacity-building journey. “The Swedish Tax Agency has been a great partner, setting a solid foundation for the LRA. I urge employees to maintain professional standards and uphold the institution’s integrity,” she remarked.
STA Resident Advisor Kristian Paulsson commended the LRA team for their dedication, noting the project’s success as a shared achievement. “This program was very successful due to the tremendous support from management and the hard work of staff. I look forward to supporting the LRA in whatever way possible,” Paulsson stated.
The program director for the Swedish Embassy, Mr. Carl-Henrik Jacobsson, reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to supporting the LRA in strengthening domestic resource mobilization. Commissioner General Jallah echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to achieve Liberia’s long-term development goals. “The DRM Strategy remains a cornerstone for fiscal sustainability and reducing dependency on external assistance,” Jallah stressed.
As Liberia reflects on the achievements of the ICDP, stakeholders are optimistic that the foundation laid by the LRA and STA partnership will continue to bolster the country’s revenue administration and foster economic independence.
