By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The High-Level Symposium on the Digitalisation and Digital Transformation of Tax Administration, a prestigious international event, took place on October 19-20, 2023, in Beijing, China. The symposium brought together renowned leaders and experts to explore the cutting-edge advancements in tax administration and digital transformation.
One of the distinguished attendees was Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, the esteemed Board Chairperson of the National Revenue Authority in Sierra Leone. She was personally invited by the President of China to participate in the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, a visionary initiative launched by President Xi Jinping a decade ago, aimed at enhancing global trade and collaboration among Governments across the world.
The event witnessed the presence of several influential leaders, including President Xi Jinping, President Putin, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, the President of Argentina, the President of Indonesia, and the UN Secretary-General. It was a congregation of remarkable minds dedicated to strengthening international ties and fostering global cooperation.
The symposium featured a presentation on “Tax Administration 3.0” by Peter Green, Head of FTA and TFTC Secretariats at the OECD, along with Paul Marsh, Advisor of FTA Secretariats at the OECD. The keynote address was delivered by Wang Jun, Commissioner of the State Taxation Administration of the People’s Republic of China.
A pivotal moment during the event was Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara’s presentation under the High-Level Symposium, focusing on the digitalization and digital transformation of tax administration. Her paper delved into the topic of “Electronic Invoicing – Sierra Leone’s Perspective,” offering unique insights and experiences regarding the utilization of electronic invoicing in Sierra Leone. As Board Chairperson, her leadership and commitment to enhancing tax systems through digital means have been truly inspiring, underlining the dedication of the National Revenue Authority to embrace innovative approaches for more efficient and effective tax administration.
In a rapidly digitizing world, Mrs. Gento-Kamara’s speech served as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards modernized tax systems that are both responsive and resilient. Her exceptional address undoubtedly left a lasting impact, further propelling the discussion on how technology can shape the future of tax administration in Sierra Leone.
It was an exceptional privilege for Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara to be part of this extraordinary gathering dedicated to enhancing global trade and collaboration, thanks to her personal invitation from President Xi Jinping. The Belt and Road initiative, initiated by President Xi Jinping a decade ago, has been pivotal in enhancing trade among international co-operations and Governments worldwide.
The symposium included discussions on the transformative potential of electronic invoicing in tax administration. Electronic invoicing has the capability to enhance risk management processes and revolutionize taxpayer services. The session focused on how jurisdictions can leverage electronic invoice data to improve tax compliance and taxpayer service. Different models of e-invoicing adopted in various countries were explored, along with the associated challenges and potential solutions.
Tax administrations worldwide have experienced significant changes in recent years, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing strategies were accelerated in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, resulting in a substantial shift towards digital services and the rapid development of new technology tools. Additionally, the growth of big data and artificial intelligence has opened up new opportunities to reduce compliance burdens for the compliant, detect non-compliance, and provide more integrated Government services. The symposium examined emerging trends in recent innovations and included specific case studies from different countries.
The sessions were expertly moderated by Jeffrey van Slobbe, Deputy Director of International Affair Directorate-General Tax Administration in the Netherlands, and Samson Uridia, Head of the International Relations Department at Revenue Service, Georgia. The symposium proved to be a platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas, shaping the future of tax administration in an increasingly digital world.
