Monrovia, Liberia – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has given the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) more than $100,000 in information technology equipment with the goal of assisting in the modernization and fortification of Liberia’s tax administration.
This in-kind award from USAID is a part of the organization’s larger initiative to improve tax collection procedures and raise money for Liberia. It was made possible by the Local Empowerment for Accountability and Decentralization (LEAD) Activity.
The U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, reiterated the U.S. Government’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s revenue mobilization efforts as a cornerstone for national development at the official transfer of the consignment at the LRA Headquarters in Paynesville.
The donation included 30 state-of-the-art laptops and various other IT equipment.
“As Liberia transitions from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the Value Added Tax (VAT) system, this equipment will play a pivotal role in improving operational efficiency and accountability, while also fostering public trust in the LRA,” Ambassador Toner said.
He underlined that the advancement of every country depends on having a strong tax administration system. He said, “The United States is not only helping to increase revenue but also supporting the enhancement of public services in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure by boosting the LRA’s capacity to collect taxes more effectively.”
Ambassador Toner went on to emphasize the value of accountability and openness in revenue management, saying that for people to have faith in the system, they need to be able to see the real returns on their taxes.
In addition to expressing thanks to USAID for the contribution, LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah reaffirmed the LRA’s dedication to its audacious plan to raise domestic revenue from US$700 million to US$1 billion in the near future.
“This support from USAID will significantly bolster our efforts to modernize our systems and improve tax collection, which is crucial for Liberia’s development agenda,” Commissioner General Jallah said.
In addition, he recognized the United States’ long-standing contributions to Liberia’s progress in fields including peace, security, health, and education, emphasizing the importance of American assistance.
The LRA is still pushing for radical adjustments to Liberia’s tax code with the purpose of raising income to fund the country’s development objectives.
