WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), successfully held the 3rd Working Group Activity of the Advanced Rules of Origin Trainers Project for the East and Southern Africa region in Zambia. This project aims to cultivate qualified customs trainers, enhance regional customs capacity, and facilitate the smooth implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through systematic training and curriculum development, the project will provide a solid foundation of skilled personnel for regional trade facilitation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Namra Partners With ZRA to Advance Tax Automation in Africa

Namra Partners With ZRA to Advance Tax Automation in Africa

Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) officials visited Zambia to learn from the ZRA's experience with the ASYCUDA World system, aiming to enhance tax automation and implement the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) shared insights on innovative modules like electronic payments and valuation control. The WCO will continue to support NamRA in improving its trade environment and fostering economic development. This collaboration highlights the commitment to modernizing customs procedures and promoting regional cooperation for increased efficiency and economic growth within the African continent.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Shanghai to Bamako Sea Freight Gains Traction in Africa Trade

Shanghai to Bamako Sea Freight Gains Traction in Africa Trade

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the advantages and challenges of the Shanghai to Bamako sea freight route. It details key factors such as price and transit time, and offers risk mitigation advice and answers to frequently asked questions. The aim is to help businesses efficiently and economically expand into the African market, seize opportunities, and achieve win-win outcomes. This guide focuses on optimizing logistics for companies looking to establish or grow their presence in Mali via cost-effective sea transport solutions.

02/06/2026 Logistics
Read More
Temu Expands to Africa in Bid for Emerging Market Growth

Temu Expands to Africa in Bid for Emerging Market Growth

Pinduoduo's cross-border e-commerce platform, Temu, has launched in Africa and achieved initial progress in some countries. Despite challenges such as infrastructure limitations and cultural differences, Temu possesses growth potential in the African market due to its low-price strategy and the acceptance of emerging e-commerce platforms. Temu's future development in Africa will depend on its ability to adapt to the local market. The platform's success hinges on understanding and catering to the specific needs and preferences of African consumers.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

The 19th meeting of the Customs Management Council of the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region focused on trade facilitation and capacity building. Emphasis was placed on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Discussions covered regional cooperation, financial management, and the appointment of the WCO Director. The meeting aimed to promote African trade growth and regional economic integration through innovative customs procedures. Furthermore, the goal was to enhance customs efficiency and risk management capabilities within the ESA region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) trained Customs officers from the Middle East and North Africa in Beirut to enhance their capacity to combat cultural property smuggling. The training covered key areas including identification of smuggled artifacts, international cooperation, relevant legal frameworks, and practical enforcement techniques. The aim was to equip officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, seize, and prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage items, thereby contributing to the protection of cultural heritage in the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bahrain Hosts Regional WTO Trade Facilitation Workshop

Bahrain Hosts Regional WTO Trade Facilitation Workshop

In 2015, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held the 3rd Regional Workshop on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Bahrain, aiming to promote understanding and implementation of the TFA in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The workshop brought together customs and trade experts to discuss key TFA provisions, technical assistance, institutional cooperation, and member case studies. During the event, Japan announced its ratification of the TFA, injecting new momentum into trade facilitation efforts in the MENA region.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO and Sida Collaborate to Modernize African Customs

WCO and Sida Collaborate to Modernize African Customs

The WCO, in partnership with Sida, launched the "Project to Promote Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization" aimed at enhancing customs capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The project optimizes the cross-border trade environment, fostering economic growth and poverty reduction. It focuses on strategic capacity building, operational efficiency improvements, promotion of trade facilitation measures, strengthened regional cooperation, and ensuring sustainable development. The initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, ultimately contributing to increased trade flows and economic prosperity in the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO JICA Team Up to Enhance African Trade Facilitation

WCO JICA Team Up to Enhance African Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are strengthening their collaboration to enhance trade facilitation in Africa. This initiative focuses on improving Africa's competitiveness in global value chains through the development of One-Stop Border Posts, capacity building, and the optimization of trade corridors. The WCO Secretary General also lectured scholarship students on strategic priorities, emphasizing information exchange, agreement implementation, and e-commerce regulation. These efforts aim to support sustainable economic development across the African continent.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Russia Shifts Trade Focus to Emerging Markets Boosts Agriculture

Russia Shifts Trade Focus to Emerging Markets Boosts Agriculture

Russia is actively promoting the diversification of its international trade, with a focus on expanding into emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Agriculture is a primary focus, with mechanical engineering and information technology advancing in parallel. By strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms, Russia is systematically expanding its markets and enhancing its influence in the global economic and trade system. This strategic shift aims to reduce reliance on traditional partners and capitalize on the growth potential of developing economies.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More