Varsha Singh
Master of International Customs Law and Administration (2015)
"Embrace continuous learning and stay adaptable to the ever-evolving customs and tax landscape. Your commitment to integrity and excellence will pave the way for a rewarding career."
In a career spanning more than thirty years across tax and customs administration, international relations and technology, Varsha credits her success to dedication, leadership, and a strong desire to drive sustainable development through effective tax compliance and revenue collection systems.
In April 2024, Varsha was appointed to the position of Commissioner General of the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC) following senior leadership roles with the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the South African Revenue Service.
Not dissimilar to her counterparts around the world, Varsha’s typical day is a blend of strategy, leadership and innovation. There is regular and close review of SRC’s performance against targets, reporting for the SRC Board and the Minister, policy discussions, project implementation updates and stakeholder engagement including at the national and international levels in relation to digitalisation and regulatory reform.
Undoubtably the highlight of Varsha’s day involves mentoring her team and advocating for gender equality. Mentoring and empowering staff, at all levels, to adjust to organisational change is a huge motivator for Varsha. “You have to, as a leader, walk with people because they are the implementers. There has to be that constant engagement,” Varsha said.
In addition to the unwavering support of her family, Varsha credits her career success to the mentorship support she received from influential figures throughout her career including CCES Faculty and Alumni who provided invaluable sounding boards, advice, and referrals to help her navigate the complexities of international tax policy and administration.
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Varsha. The SRC is rolling out new strategies to improve tax compliance and revenue, as well as preparing to launch a major transformation programme aimed at modernising the SRC's processes to enhance efficiency and transparency. “Digitalization plays a key role in the SRC transformation agenda. We want to introduce technology as an enabler across our business processes and increase the use of data, provide clarity and certainty to our taxpayers and traders, and build a high performing workforce.”
Varsha is also deeply committed to regional capacity building. The Seychelles is just one of fifty-four African countries committed to greater tax transparency and to co-developing tax compliance and revenue collection solutions tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of African nations.
It is her role as Co-Chair of the Africa Initiative of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes and Board Member of the ATAF Women in Tax Network where Varsha believes she can make a real difference by helping to build a self-sustaining system that leads African tax and customs administrations in innovation, equality, and economic development and prosperity.
Varsha is the Commissioner General of the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC).