African Customs Labs Enhance Skills Via Asiapacific Training

African Customs Labs Enhance Skills Via Asiapacific Training

In April 2023, the World Customs Organization organized a study visit to Japan for heads of African Customs Laboratories to learn best practices from Asia-Pacific regional customs laboratories. The visit included examining laboratory operation models, technologies, infrastructure, and a tour of the Japan Customs Laboratory. African representatives expressed their commitment to enhancing their national laboratory capabilities and looked forward to future international exchanges and cooperation. The visit highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening customs laboratory expertise.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids African Customs in Enforcing Environmental Agreements

WCO Aids African Customs in Enforcing Environmental Agreements

WCO, in collaboration with the United Nations, is working to enhance the capacity of Kenyan and Tanzanian customs administrations in enforcing environmental agreements. This initiative aims to address climate change and promote green trade by strengthening customs' role in monitoring and controlling the movement of environmentally sensitive goods. The project focuses on providing training, equipment, and technical assistance to customs officers, enabling them to effectively implement relevant regulations and contribute to sustainable development goals. Ultimately, this partnership seeks to foster a more environmentally responsible and economically viable trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Senegal Customs Overhauls HR Leads West African Reform

Senegal Customs Overhauls HR Leads West African Reform

Supported by the Swedish government-funded West African Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, Senegalese Customs is actively modernizing its human resource processes. This includes developing key tools such as job and competency directories and building a competency-based management system. The project serves as a model for customs administration modernization in the West African region and provides valuable experience for other countries. It highlights the importance of investing in human resources to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness within the region.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kisumu Port Upgrade Enhances East Africa Trade Hub

Kisumu Port Upgrade Enhances East Africa Trade Hub

The Kenyan government is investing in the reconstruction of Kisumu Port to upgrade its ferry terminal and dry dock. This aims to improve the port's operational efficiency and service capabilities, strengthening its key position on East African shipping routes. The project is expected to boost trade and economic prosperity for both Kenya and the wider East African region by facilitating smoother and more efficient transport of goods and passengers. The upgraded port will play a vital role in regional connectivity and economic development.

09/29/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

This paper analyzes a capacity-building program for Francophone African customs officials, a collaboration between the Belgian Customs Academy and the World Customs Organization. The program, employing methods like curriculum supplementation, field visits, and virtual reality training, aims to enhance the professional skills of African customs officials and their ability to navigate complex trade environments. The article highlights the importance of regional cooperation, localized application, technological innovation, and evaluation mechanisms in capacity building. It also provides relevant recommendations for improving future programs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

With support from the EU-WCO and the German Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Côte d'Ivoire is actively developing a national Advance Ruling System. This initiative aims to enhance trade transparency and predictability, reduce trade disputes, attract foreign investment, and improve customs efficiency. The system is expected to revitalize Côte d'Ivoire's trade development and serve as a model for other African nations. It will provide traders with binding rulings on tariff classification, origin, and other customs-related matters before import or export, fostering a more predictable and reliable trading environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho South Africa Study Customs Efficiency to Boost Trade

Lesotho South Africa Study Customs Efficiency to Boost Trade

Lesotho and South Africa jointly released an end-to-end clearance time study report, aiming to optimize border management and improve cross-border trade efficiency. The study focuses on the Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg Bridge border posts, highlighting the importance of trade facilitation in unlocking the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Both countries are committed to implementing the report's recommendations, strengthening economic ties, and promoting regional economic development. The study underscores the critical role of efficient border procedures in fostering trade and growth within the region.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gabons Tchibanga Emerges As Key West African Maritime Hub

Gabons Tchibanga Emerges As Key West African Maritime Hub

Kibanga Port, an emerging maritime hub in Gabon's Nyanga province, is gaining increasing attention. This article introduces Kibanga Port's geographical location, port code, and its role within Gabon's shipping network. It also outlines other important Gabonese ports such as Cape Lopez, Gamba, and Libreville. The piece emphasizes the importance of understanding Gabonese port information for expanding into the West African market. This knowledge is crucial for businesses looking to engage in trade and logistics within the region, highlighting Gabon's strategic position in West African maritime activities.

09/29/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly held a workshop in Uganda to enhance customs intelligence analysis capabilities and strengthen anti-smuggling efforts in East Africa. Customs officials from various East African countries collaborated to develop post-seizure analysis training materials. Experts from the WCO and Japan Customs provided guidance to help East African customs improve their intelligence-driven risk management and combat smuggling crimes. The workshop aimed to build capacity and foster regional cooperation in tackling cross-border illicit trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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