WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "East African Post Clearance Audit Instructor Training Program" (MTP). This initiative aims to cultivate a high-quality regional instructor pool, enhance the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities of East African customs administrations, and facilitate trade. Through systematic training, curriculum development, and expert guidance, the program seeks to improve PCA skills, promote trade facilitation, strengthen regional cooperation, and achieve sustainable development in the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint “Mentoring Training Programme” (MTP) has made significant progress in West Africa. Overcoming the impact of the pandemic through innovative models such as virtual working groups, the program successfully enhanced the capacity of customs officers in West African countries in risk management and intelligence analysis, contributing to regional trade security and economic development. The success of this program provides a valuable reference for capacity building in other developing countries.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WACAM Project Advances Customs Modernization in West Africa

WACAM Project Advances Customs Modernization in West Africa

The West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project aims to improve customs management and operational efficiency in West African countries. Through regional workshops and national support missions, it shares best practices in strategic management and provides capacity building support in areas such as human resource management, stakeholder relations, and resource mobilization. The project has successfully held resource mobilization workshops and will continue to advance stakeholder relations workshops, contributing to customs modernization in West Africa. The goal is to create more effective and efficient customs administrations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Jumia Strategies for Growing Mobile Sales in Africa

Jumia Strategies for Growing Mobile Sales in Africa

This article delves into the market opportunities for mobile phone products on the Jumia platform, revealing the strong demand for smartphones among young African consumers and the strategies of Chinese mobile phone brands to seize the market with their high cost-performance ratio. It emphasizes the price sensitivity and the coexistence of feature phones and smartphones in the unique African market. Furthermore, it highlights the new growth points brought by Jumia's refurbished phone category and Tech Week promotions, helping sellers to grasp the first-mover advantage in the African e-commerce market.

01/06/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Rwandair Targets Ecommerce Logistics Dominance in East Africa

Rwandair Targets Ecommerce Logistics Dominance in East Africa

RwandAir, an emerging aviation hub in East Africa, is creating value for global trade partners through its flexible network, innovative digital tools, and robust operations. By upgrading its fleet, implementing a digital strategy, and committing to sustainable development, RwandAir is strengthening its market position and contributing to the growth of e-commerce in Africa. The airline's strategic initiatives aim to enhance connectivity and efficiency, positioning Rwanda as a key player in the region's logistics landscape and fostering economic development through increased trade opportunities.

12/30/2025 Airlines
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South Africa Eases Trademark Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce

South Africa Eases Trademark Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce

This article provides a detailed overview of the South African trademark registration system, including the process, required documents, and key considerations. It aims to offer cross-border e-commerce businesses a comprehensive guide to South African trademark registration, assisting them in successfully entering the South African market. The guide covers essential aspects of protecting your brand in South Africa, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and maximizing your chances of a successful trademark registration.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

Supported by the WCO/JICA joint project, West African Customs administrations continued to enhance their risk management and intelligence analysis capabilities during the pandemic through online training. The MTP project, involving six countries including Benin, aims to cultivate a team of experts proficient in these skills and has made significant progress. By adopting innovative training methods, the project overcame the challenges posed by the pandemic and injected new momentum into customs capacity building in West Africa. The online format allowed for continued learning and development despite travel restrictions and social distancing measures.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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INAMA Initiative Expands Antiwildlife Trafficking in Africa Asia

INAMA Initiative Expands Antiwildlife Trafficking in Africa Asia

The INAMA project supports customs authorities in nine African and Asian countries, enhancing their capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade through expert support missions. These missions focus on training, legislation, risk management, and action plans. The project promotes international cooperation, improves enforcement capabilities, and protects biodiversity, aiming to build a strong defense against ecological threats. By strengthening customs controls and fostering collaboration, INAMA contributes to the global effort to conserve endangered species and maintain ecological balance.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Expands to South Africa Bolsters Crossborder Logistics

Amazon Expands to South Africa Bolsters Crossborder Logistics

Amazon South Africa is launching, presenting new opportunities for cross-border e-commerce sellers. This article focuses on cross-border logistics strategies for the South African market, analyzing its potential and challenges. It advises sellers to prepare in advance, choose suitable logistics partners, and optimize their supply chains to achieve success in the South African market. Early planning and strategic partnerships are crucial for navigating the unique challenges and capitalizing on the emerging opportunities within South Africa's e-commerce landscape.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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South Africa Nigeria Strengthen Trade Ties Under Afcfta

South Africa Nigeria Strengthen Trade Ties Under Afcfta

Supported by the WCO's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully conducted an experience exchange focusing on post-clearance audit, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), and risk management. The aim was to enhance the NCS's risk management capabilities, promote trade compliance, and contribute to the prosperity of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This collaboration underscores the importance of customs cooperation in facilitating trade and strengthening regional economic integration through improved risk assessment and streamlined procedures.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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