In a landmark achievement for Sierra Leone, the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Jeneba J. Bangura, has been appointed to serve on the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters for the 2025–2029 term.
Her appointment was officially confirmed by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres in a press release issued on July 30, 2025. Jeneba Bangura becomes the first Sierra Leonean woman and only the second Sierra Leonean in over two decades to serve on this globally influential committee.
Comprising 25 tax experts from around the world, the UN Tax Committee plays a vital role in shaping international tax norms and supporting countries in developing equitable and effective tax systems. The committee’s work is especially significant as countries grapple with complex tax issues surrounding the digital economy, natural resources and wealth taxation.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, emphasized the importance of the committee’s work: “The Committee helps countries work together to ensure their tax policies serve their development priorities. It provides a unique space where diverse experts can tackle frontier challenges together and develop innovative solutions that work across different tax systems.”
In response to the appointment, Jeneba Bangura expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in her and recognized the pivotal support from national leadership.
“My appointment as the first Sierra Leonean woman to serve on this august body reflects the vision and commitment of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio in promoting women in leadership and repositioning Sierra Leone on the global stage,” she stated.
She also extended appreciation to Finance Minister, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, Foreign Affairs Minister Musa Timothy Kabba and Ambassador Imran Kanu and the team at Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission to the UN for their invaluable roles in supporting her nomination.
Jeneba Bangura brings to the committee a wealth of experience in tax administration and public financial management. She previously served as Deputy Commissioner General of the NRA from 2018 to 2023 and was appointed Deputy Minister of Finance I in 2023 before assuming her current role. Her leadership has been marked by bold reforms, enhanced transparency and digital modernization of Sierra Leone’s tax systems.
Her inclusion in the UN Tax Committee is seen as a strategic win for Sierra Leone, elevating the country’s voice in international fiscal policy discourse. It also sets a powerful precedent for female representation in global governance.
According to the UN, the 25-member committee will guide countries in designing tax policies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while addressing contemporary global challenges like climate transition, digital taxation and wealth inequality. The committee provides practical tools and options for nations to reform tax treaties, design health and environmental taxes and develop fair systems for taxing the digital and extractive sectors.
Among the other appointed experts are professionals from countries including Singapore, Rwanda, Nigeria, Brazil, China and Australia. Notably, the majority of the appointees are women, reflecting the UN’s commitment to inclusive leadership in tax policymaking.
The new committee is scheduled to hold its first session in October 2025 at the United Nations Office in Geneva. The sessions are open to stakeholders from Governments, civil society, academia and the private sector.
Jeneba Bangura’s appointment further reinforces Sierra Leone’s growing influence on the global stage and underscores the nation’s commitment to international cooperation, gender equity and public sector excellence.
As global tax cooperation becomes increasingly essential for addressing illicit financial flows and ensuring fairer economic systems, Sierra Leone’s representation at this level is both timely and impactful.
