In a significant step towards modernising tax collection, the Bo District and Bo City Councils unveiled a new electronic tax payment platform, Govpaysl, in collaboration with Afrimoney last week. This initiative aims to streamline the tax payment process for residents and businesses, allowing them to pay their taxes easily and efficiently via Afrimoney and Qmoney.
During the launch ceremony, Deputy Mayor of the Bo City Council, Madam Hawa Campbell, emphasised the importance of this digital platform in transforming the way taxes are paid. She highlighted that Govpaysl not only makes tax payments faster and more transparent but also accessible to a wide range of taxpayers, from small business owners to large corporations. “Whether you are fulfilling a civic duty or running a business, you can now pay your taxes online through Afrimoney, receive instant receipts, and track your payments,” she stated.
Madam Campbell further noted that the introduction of this system represents a shift in mindset regarding local governance. “This is about more than just convenience and trust. When citizens believe their funds are being managed effectively, they are more inclined to contribute to the system. With open and efficient government and private sector operations, everyone benefits,” she explained.
The Chief Administrator of the Bo District Council, Vivian Senesie, echoed these sentiments, calling the launch one of the most significant developments for the councils in their efforts to enhance revenue collection. Today marks a pivotal moment for both councils. We face ongoing challenges in meeting our revenue collection targets, and without sufficient funds, we cannot drive development,” she remarked. Vivian also acknowledged the common complaints from taxpayers regarding the inconvenience of traditional payment methods, such as long queues and transportation costs, particularly for small business owners. The new system aims to alleviate these burdens while also creating job opportunities.
Khalil Fawaz, the regional manager for Africell in the Southeast, expressed the company’s commitment to development and empowerment, celebrating Africell’s 25 years of service in Africa. He noted the shared challenges faced by the councils in revenue collection and reiterated Africell’s partnership with them to improve their financial capabilities. “Taxpayers expect development, and without adequate revenue, it becomes challenging for the councils to meet these expectations,” he stated, assuring that Afrimoney would uphold professional standards in its operations.
Alfred Joseph Lavalie, the Corporate Sales Manager for Afrimoney, added that the platform, established in 2014, has significantly facilitated financial transactions for many citizens. He assured attendees that the collaboration between Africell and Afrimoney would enhance service delivery for customers.
Dugba Kenneth, CEO of GOVPAY, shared that the initiative aims to address the challenges faced by the councils in revenue collection. He referenced President Julius Maada Bio’s 2023 manifesto, which emphasises the role of technology and innovation in governance. Kenneth noted that the platform enables citizens to pay their bills conveniently from home, without needing to visit a bank. He praised the collaboration between multiple mobile companies, highlighting that it is rare to see such partnerships in the industry. “The government is committed to ensuring the success of this new technology,” he concluded.
With the launch of Govpaysl, the Bo Councils and Afrimoney are paving the way for a more efficient and accessible tax payment system, ultimately fostering greater trust and participation among taxpayers in local governance.
