Finland Funds Customs Modernization in East and Southern Africa

Finland Funds Customs Modernization in East and Southern Africa

Finland is funding a WCO project to support customs modernization and enhance trade capacity in East and Southern Africa. The project is progressing well, focusing on five key areas including leadership and enforcement. The initiative aims to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance with international standards, ultimately fostering regional economic growth and integration by strengthening customs administrations in the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Boosts Customs Modernization in MENA Via Data Analytics

WCO Boosts Customs Modernization in MENA Via Data Analytics

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the CCF Korea, held a virtual workshop for senior officials from the Middle East and North Africa region, focusing on data analysis capacity building. The workshop aimed to enhance the region's customs data analysis capabilities to support customs modernization. It covered topics such as introducing a data analysis framework, sharing experiences, presenting capacity building initiatives, and exploring cooperation prospects for the BACUDA project.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
West Africa Customs Names Sangho Director to Lead Modernization

West Africa Customs Names Sangho Director to Lead Modernization

Abdel Kader SANGHO has been appointed as the new Director for the West and Central Africa Customs region. This appointment aims to strengthen regional customs modernization, enhance risk management capabilities, and promote regional trade facilitation. The goal is to deepen international cooperation to address global trade challenges and foster regional economic prosperity and sustainable development. The meeting also confirmed the Regional Finance and Audit Committee, launched the annual budget, and announced the theme for International Customs Day 2021.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

The annual meeting of the West and Central Africa Customs Capacity Building Liaison Office focused on four key challenges: lack of leadership, outdated human resource management, unclear ownership of outsourced responsibilities, and difficulties in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Participants shared experiences and sought greater support from the WCO, aiming to overcome these bottlenecks and promote the modernization and transformation of customs administrations in the region. The goal is to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance with international standards.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization with Sweden WCO Backing

Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization with Sweden WCO Backing

Under the West Africa Customs Modernization (WACAM) project funded by the Swedish government, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Senegal Customs in advancing its human resource modernization. Through measures such as improving employee planning tools and building competency models, Senegal Customs aims to enhance employee quality and optimize its organizational structure, setting an example for customs modernization in the West African region. The project anticipates completing the validation of employee planning tools by the end of 2015.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization Under West Africa Project

Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization Under West Africa Project

Funded by the Swedish government, the World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the modernization of human resources management in Senegalese Customs through the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization Project. The project focused on building a competency-based human resources management system. Key tools such as job classifications, competency models, and job descriptions were developed to improve Senegalese Customs' management efficiency and international competitiveness. The initiative aims to strengthen the customs administration's capacity and contribute to regional economic development.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

The Director General of Swedish Customs led a delegation to visit the World Customs Organization (WCO), focusing on discussions about digital transformation, international cooperation, and trade facilitation. Emphasis was placed on leveraging information technology to enhance customs efficiency, strengthening information sharing, and jointly addressing global challenges. Appreciation was expressed for Sweden's significant support in WCO projects. This meeting injected new vitality into the future development of global customs, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and innovative solutions in the international trade landscape.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Backs Ghana Customs Modernization for 21st Century Trade

WCO Backs Ghana Customs Modernization for 21st Century Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, provided strategic planning support to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This aimed to evaluate and optimize its 2015-2017 Customs Strategic Plan, enhance monitoring and evaluation, and improve project management capabilities. The initiative assists Ghana Customs in building a modern management system fit for the 21st century, ultimately contributing to Ghana's economic development.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Gambia Revenue Authority Leads HR Modernization in West Africa

Gambia Revenue Authority Leads HR Modernization in West Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, is supporting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in implementing a competency-based human resource management model. A WCO expert team reviewed GRA's HR management tools and provided recommendations for improvement and an implementation plan. GRA is expected to become a benchmark in human resource management in the West and Central African region, offering valuable lessons for other countries. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the GRA through strategic human resource development.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Cte Divoire Boosts Tariff Control with WCO Customs Modernization

Cte Divoire Boosts Tariff Control with WCO Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to the Ivorian General Directorate of Customs (DGD) to strengthen its tariff classification and valuation control capabilities. During the mission, WCO experts engaged in in-depth discussions with Ivorian customs officials and conducted on-site visits to observe customs operations. The expert team provided targeted recommendations to help Ivorian Customs improve regulatory effectiveness and safeguard national economic development. The aim is to enhance customs procedures and ensure efficient trade facilitation within Côte d'Ivoire.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More