NATIONAL NEWS
Lesotho – A delegation from the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is currently in the Kingdom of Lesotho for a weeklong benchmarking visit with the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL), as Liberia intensifies preparations to transition to Value Added Tax (VAT) in 2027.
The delegation is led by LRA Domestic Tax Commissioner Margaret P. Krote and comprises members of the Authority’s VAT Technical Team.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The mission is aimed at deepening knowledge exchange and gaining practical insights into Lesotho’s operationalization of VAT to strengthen Liberia’s implementation strategy.
A central focus of the visit is Lesotho’s electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) system, which authorities say has significantly enhanced VAT compliance.
The system supports improved data collection, automates return filings, and expedites assessment and refund processes—key elements Liberia hopes to incorporate into its own VAT framework.
The study tour follows the recent launch of Liberia’s nationwide VAT awareness campaign and forms part of broader reforms to modernize the country’s tax administration.
Welcoming the Liberian delegation, Acting Commissioner General of Revenue Services Lesotho, Rakokoana Makoa, underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in advancing effective tax administration, innovation, and stronger compliance systems.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Commissioner Krote expressed gratitude for the warm reception and technical exchanges, noting that lessons drawn from Lesotho’s experience will help refine Liberia’s VAT implementation framework and ensure a smooth transition scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The benchmarking mission is supported by the International Monetary Fund through its AFRITAC West 2 Center, with Regional Tax Administration Advisor Idia Penane accompanying the delegation.
Liberia’s planned shift from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to VAT is intended to enhance transparency, broaden the tax base, reduce cascading taxation, and improve overall compliance efficiency—reinforcing the government’s commitment to fiscal modernization and sustainable domestic revenue mobilization.
