If customs agencies serve as gatekeepers of national economies, then human resources form the backbone of these critical institutions. Developing professional, efficient customs teams has become a priority for customs administrations worldwide. Benin Customs is actively exploring modern human resource management approaches, with strong support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) accelerating this transformation.
From May 30 to June 3, 2016, the WCO's West and Central Africa Capacity Building Program (WACAM) conducted a support mission in Cotonou at the request of Benin Customs. The initiative aimed to assist Benin in designing and implementing a modern competency-based Human Resource Management (HRM) system, representing a key component of WCO's ongoing efforts to modernize human resources across West and Central African customs administrations.
Dual Objectives Yield Concrete Results
The mission pursued two primary goals. First, it sought to enhance the capabilities of Benin Customs' modernization team in designing competency-based approaches while clarifying the methodology's parameters and challenges. This included briefing new customs leadership and steering committees about their crucial roles in the process and securing their commitment to the initiative's success.
Second, to foster regional expertise sharing, the mission incorporated two HR specialists from Gabon Customs Administration. Their participation helped establish a regional network of HR experts while providing valuable hands-on experience.
The mission achieved significant outcomes, finalizing and validating a position catalog, competency inventory, and forty job descriptions. With the Customs Director General's involvement, participants established a work plan setting August 31, 2016, as the deadline for completing all competency-based tools—marking a substantial step in Benin's HR modernization.
Competency-Based HR: The Foundation for Modern Customs
Competency-based HR systems center on job requirements and employee capabilities, using scientific competency models to align recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and career development. This "right person for the right job" approach improves organizational efficiency and competitiveness by matching positions with properly qualified personnel.
For customs administrations, such systems carry particular importance. As global trade grows increasingly complex, customs agencies face mounting challenges—from combating smuggling and protecting intellectual property to facilitating legitimate trade. Effective responses require workforces with specialized knowledge, skills, and attributes that competency-based HR systems help identify, develop, and retain.
WCO-WACAM: Strengthening African Customs Capacity
The WCO's West and Central Africa Capacity Building Program (WACAM) represents a key initiative supporting African customs modernization. Through technical assistance, training, and advisory services, WACAM helps regional customs administrations enhance management practices and operational capabilities. The Benin mission exemplifies this commitment.
WACAM has significantly advanced African customs capacity, supporting HR modernization, risk management improvements, and trade facilitation across the region. Beyond technical support, the program fosters cooperation and knowledge exchange among African customs administrations.
Benin's Modernization Path: Balancing Challenges and Opportunities
While Benin Customs has made notable HR modernization progress, implementation challenges remain—including ensuring effective application of competency tools, overcoming cultural and perceptual barriers, and establishing sustainable HR systems. Addressing these issues will require sustained commitment from Benin's customs leadership alongside continued international support.
Nevertheless, opportunities abound. A competency-based HR system will enable better personnel selection, development, and motivation—strengthening Benin Customs' capacity to fulfill its economic role. Moreover, Benin's experience may provide valuable lessons for other African nations pursuing similar reforms.
Regional Cooperation for Shared Development
The successful WACAM mission not only advanced Benin's HR modernization but also set a regional cooperation precedent. Through strengthened collaboration and shared learning, West and Central African customs administrations can achieve mutual development while contributing to regional economic growth.
Looking ahead, the WCO plans to deepen engagement with African customs agencies through WACAM and similar programs. Simultaneously, African customs administrations must continue strengthening their capacities while actively participating in international cooperation efforts to advance global trade security and facilitation.