-To Support Liberia’s Revenue Expansion Efforts
The United States Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s efforts to enhance revenue collection and improve transparency and accountability within the public sector. In a ceremony held today, U.S. Ambassador Mark Toner presented $100,000 worth of IT equipment to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA). The donation, made through USAID’s Local Empowerment for Accountability and Decentralization Activity (LEAD), is aimed at bolstering Liberia’s transition to a Value Added Tax (VAT) system.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Toner emphasized the critical role of modern technology in advancing Liberia’s fiscal infrastructure. “This equipment will assist the LRA in transitioning to a VAT system, which is expected to significantly increase the country’s revenue base and promote development,” Toner said. He reiterated the U.S. Government’s support for Liberia’s efforts to strengthen its tax administration, improve efficiency, and ensure transparency in the revenue collection process.
The shift to a VAT system is seen as a key part of Liberia’s strategy to enhance revenue generation and reduce reliance on international aid. The new system is designed to streamline tax collection, reduce tax evasion, and expand the country’s tax base, thereby providing more resources for national development initiatives.
Support for Accountability and Transparency
The U.S. Government, through USAID’s LEAD program, has been actively working with Liberian authorities to promote accountability and decentralization. The IT equipment will help modernize the LRA’s infrastructure, enabling it to better track and collect taxes across the country. In addition, the equipment will support digital record-keeping and data management, making it easier for the LRA to monitor compliance and ensure that tax revenues are being collected transparently.
During the handover ceremony, LRA Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah expressed gratitude for the donation and highlighted the importance of U.S. support in enhancing the agency’s capacity. “This IT equipment will significantly boost our ability to implement the VAT system and strengthen our tax collection efforts. With the continued support of our partners, we can work toward building a more robust and transparent revenue system,” Dorbor Jallah stated.
U.S.-Liberia Partnership
The donation is part of a broader U.S.-Liberia partnership focused on economic development and governance reforms. Over the years, the U.S. has supported various initiatives aimed at improving Liberia’s fiscal policies and strengthening institutions responsible for managing the country’s resources. Ambassador Toner emphasized that the U.S. Government remains committed to assisting Liberia in its journey toward sustainable development and economic independence.
As Liberia continues to implement reforms to enhance its revenue systems, the new VAT system is expected to play a key role in generating more resources for public services, infrastructure projects, and other essential development needs. With the support of international partners like the United States, Liberia is making strides toward building a more resilient and transparent economy.
