Juba, 14 July 2025
As a Financial Economist and son of Central Equatoria State, I warmly welcome the Gubernatorial Order No. 02/2025 issued by H.E. Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel to establish a State High-Level Committee on Tax and Intergovernmental Linkages. This is a commendable and timely intervention in light of the rising concerns around multiple taxation, jurisdictional encroachment, and the strained intergovernmental fiscal relationship between National and State levels.
Having reviewed the composition and mandate of the Committee, I wish to respectfully recommend the following additional considerations that can further enhance the integrity, inclusiveness, and strategic impact of the Committee’s work:
1. Expand the Expertise through Co-option or Technical Advisory:
While the current members reflect critical state structures, there is a pressing need for:
- A professional Financial Economist or fiscal policy expert to offer technical guidance on public finance frameworks, tax harmonization, and intergovernmental transfers.
- A representative from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) to ensure productive engagement on tax overlaps and cooperative federalism.
- A private sector representative, such as from the Chamber of Commerce or Trade Union, to reflect the voice of businesses affected by tax ambiguities.
- A civil society or research body representative, to contribute insights on the social impact of tax regimes and promote transparency.
These additions can be made under the existing provision to co-opt up to two members, or through technical advisory roles.
2. Strengthen the Terms of Reference (ToRs):
I recommend enriching the ToRs with the following specific responsibilities:
- To analyze the economic impact of current state and national tax practices on trade, investment, and household welfare within Central Equatoria State.
- To recommend legislative and policy reforms to promote a clear, fair, and harmonized taxation system.
- To develop a framework for intergovernmental fiscal cooperation, particularly regarding revenue-sharing, infrastructure co-financing, and dispute resolution.
3. Ensure Technical Support and Feasibility within Two Weeks Timeline:
While HE, the Governor’s two-week deadline demonstrates commendable urgency, the technical demands of this assignment warrant the establishment of a dedicated Technical Working Team or Secretariat to support the Committee. Without such a mechanism, it will be exceedingly difficult for the Committee—composed largely of high-level officials with parallel responsibilities—to deliver a report that is both substantive and actionable within the allotted time.
I respectfully recommend that the Governor direct the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Investment to immediately set up a small, competent Technical Secretariat. This team should comprise:
- A fiscal policy expert or financial economist;
- A legal advisor familiar with intergovernmental laws;
- A data analyst/statistician for revenue mapping and trend analysis;
- An administrative officer to manage schedules, documentation, and reporting.
This Secretariat will play a critical role in:
- Gathering and reviewing relevant policy and legal documents, including existing tax laws, intergovernmental agreements, and revenue data;
- Synthesizing findings and drafting clear, technically sound recommendations;
- Facilitating structured consultations with national institutions, local governments, and private sector actors;
- Ensuring timely submission of both preliminary and final reports as per the committee’s expected outputs.
In the absence of this technical layer, there is a high risk that the committee’s work will either fall short of expectations or be delayed due to lack of analytical and logistical capacity. A well-supported technical team is not only necessary—it is essential for delivering a high-quality and credible report that aligns with the Governor’s vision for reform.
Conclusion:
This Committee has the potential to set a national precedent on how states can assert their fiscal mandates while upholding cooperative governance. As a proud son of Central Equatoria, I offer my full technical support to this noble effort and call on all stakeholders to rally behind the Governor’s visionary leadership in strengthening state institutions, boosting economic productivity, and improving public trust in taxation.
Rombek Rombek
MSc Financial Economics (UK), Financial Economist & Policy Advisor
Chairperson, Local Response Pooled Fund | Member, African Finance & Economic Association
Contact: +211 921 109 220 W: +12029379736 | Email: r.rombek1@gmail.com
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