The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has inaugurated a groundbreaking Automated Performance Management System (APMS) aimed at refining staff performance, productivity, and efficiency within the organization. Set to take effect in 2025, the innovative system is projected to revolutionize LRA’s revenue generation efforts, advancing from collecting millions to targeting billions. By establishing a structured framework for planning, reviewing, and assessing key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to individual and collective staff performance, the APMS seeks to provide a digital platform that aligns with the organization’s broader objectives in enhancing revenue collection.
The launch event, led by LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah, recognized the significant contributions made by both the Human Resources Division (HRD) and the Management Information Systems Division (MISD) in the development of the APMS. Commissioner Jallah underscored the LRA’s commitment to leveraging technology and investing in personnel development to enhance overall productivity and financial outcomes. He noted that the agency’s ambition to escalate revenue collection necessitated addressing inefficiencies within its current operations, emphasizing that technology would be pivotal in achieving this goal.
Highlighting a strategic approach to internal development, Commissioner Jallah stressed the importance of building in-house capabilities to mitigate the costs often incurred through external contracts. He encouraged a culture of honesty and objectivity in performance evaluations, asserting that a fair and transparent appraisal process will be essential for staff promotions and bonuses, ultimately creating a definitive pathway for career advancement within the LRA. He acknowledged the ongoing reforms within the organization and expressed gratitude for the continued support from international partners, particularly the Swedish Development Agency (SIDA) and the Swedish Tax Agency, which have greatly contributed to the initiative’s success.
In his remarks during the launch, Emmanuel Karto, Officer-In-Charge of the Performance Management Section, articulated the significance of the APMS in transforming the LRA’s operational landscape. Karto voiced optimism regarding the system’s potential to enhance performance management and strategic planning, describing it as part of a broader human resource reform effort aimed at modernizing organizational practices. The APMS is expected to facilitate the development of a more capable and professional workforce over the long term, aligning employee performance with the LRA’s strategic goals to foster higher operational efficiency and improved tax collection initiatives.
Additionally, the Assistant Commissioner for the Management Information Systems Division, Kollie Zayzay, remarked on the digitization of numerous LRA platforms and processes, emphasizing that the APMS represents just one aspect of the agency’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives. He indicated that such innovations are integral to developing the LRA into a more responsive and effective organization capable of meeting the evolving demands of tax administration in Liberia.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Automated Performance Management System marks a significant milestone for the Liberia Revenue Authority as it embarks on a pathway to elevate its performance metrics. By concentrating on technology, internal capacity building, and a commitment to objective staff evaluations, the LRA aims to significantly bolster its revenue-generating capabilities. This approach not only reflects an understanding of modern administrative practices but also positions the LRA to contribute more effectively to the country’s economic development. With continued support from partners and a focus on sustainable internal reforms, the APMS has the potential to herald a new era of efficiency and productivity within Liberia’s revenue collection framework.
