Tax Windfall Lets Gambia Trim Spending 3 Percent

Finance Minister Seedy Keita told parliament that government spent D8.130 billion during the first three months of 2025. The spending stayed under the planned budget of D8.352 billion and saved taxpayers 3 percent. Government workers at public institutions received higher wages that cost D2.042 billion extra. The ministry also paid D580.95 million to help farmers buy seeds and fertilizer. These payments pushed up total spending but stayed within safe limits.

Tax collectors brought in D6.674 billion during the same period and beat their target amount. People and businesses paid 10 percent more taxes than officials expected them to pay. The government earned D6.16 billion from taxes compared to the planned D5.62 billion target. Computer systems helped tax workers collect money faster and catch people who tried to avoid paying. Non-tax money from fees and fines came in 40 percent lower than expected.

Government spending went up 25 percent compared to the same time last year. Officials spent less money on debt payments than they planned to spend. The ministry saved 18 percent on buying goods and services for government offices. Capital projects also cost 18 percent less than budgeted amounts. Keita said better tax collection shows the economy is growing stronger.