WCO and SACU Enhance Trade with IT Connectivity Pact

WCO and SACU Enhance Trade with IT Connectivity Pact

The WCO and SACU are collaborating to promote customs IT interconnectivity and data exchange in Southern Africa. The aim is to enhance customs control efficiency, reduce trade costs, and promote regional economic development by establishing unified standards and strengthening information sharing. The meeting focused on practical information exchange modules under the WCO GNC framework and the application of UNCTAD's cloud solutions in cross-border trade. This lays the foundation for a more efficient and secure international trade environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Enhances Border Efficiency with WCO Study at Mamuno

Botswana Enhances Border Efficiency with WCO Study at Mamuno

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Botswana in conducting a Time Release Study at the Mamuno border post to establish a One-Stop Border Post and enhance trade facilitation. Through data collection and analysis, bottlenecks are identified and processes optimized, injecting new vitality into Botswana's economic development. This initiative not only improves efficiency but also promotes international cooperation, setting a precedent for trade facilitation in Africa. The study aims to streamline border procedures and boost economic growth.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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
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EMCCA School Revamps Customs Education with WCO Backing

EMCCA School Revamps Customs Education with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Inter-State School for Customs (ISSC) of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (EMCCA) and assisted in developing a new development strategy. This capacity-based strategy aims to reshape customs talent development through a modernized curriculum, faculty development, and a quality assurance system, contributing to regional trade facilitation and economic development. The WCO will continue to provide support to facilitate the ISSC's transformation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Air Passenger Traffic Hits Record High in 2025

Global Air Passenger Traffic Hits Record High in 2025

The global aviation passenger market is projected for steady growth in 2025, with record-high load factors. Regional markets exhibit varied performance, with Africa leading growth and North America lagging. The domestic market is slowing down, while the international market returns to normal. Global passenger volume growth slowed slightly in December, with North America experiencing a contraction. Asia-Pacific routes are decelerating, influenced by geopolitical factors. American routes show diverse growth rates, with capacity deployment impacting load factors.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Djibouti Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Enhance African Trade

Djibouti Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Enhance African Trade

With support from the World Customs Organization and the European Union, Djibouti is updating its national tariff system to align with the international standard Harmonized System (HS). This initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation, increase fiscal revenue, improve international competitiveness, and promote sustainable development, ultimately positioning Djibouti as a new trade hub in Africa. The modernization of the tariff system is expected to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, contributing to economic growth and regional integration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Google Ads Strategies Boost Ecommerce Growth in MENA

Google Ads Strategies Boost Ecommerce Growth in MENA

This article analyzes Google Ads advertising strategies for cross-border e-commerce in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Using the "Suez Canal Google" analogy, it emphasizes the importance of localization, compliance, and a closed-loop payment system. These key elements are crucial for successfully tapping into the lucrative MENA market. The article aims to provide insights and practical guidance to help businesses navigate the complexities of advertising in this region and maximize their return on investment.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Trains African Customs on Gender Equality for Better Teams

WCO Trains African Customs on Gender Equality for Better Teams

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Finnish ESA Project II, held a workshop in Africa to enhance the skills of customs administrations in gender equality. The workshop focused on the application of WCO tools, promoted regional cooperation, and conducted an assessment of Mauritius Customs. The aim is to build more inclusive and diverse customs teams, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service quality. This initiative contributes to creating a more equitable and effective customs environment across the region.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ivory Coast Customs Modernizes Operations with ROCB Assistance

Ivory Coast Customs Modernizes Operations with ROCB Assistance

The West and Central Africa Capacity Building Office has assisted Côte d'Ivoire Customs in making progress in human resources and project management. By developing a job directory, competency framework, and job descriptions, and by introducing project cycle management and results-based management principles, it has laid the foundation for the modernization of Côte d'Ivoire Customs. The two parties will continue to collaborate to refine relevant tools and methods and develop action plans to consolidate the achievements made.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Algeria Boosts Customs Tech with Dutch Lab Expertise

Algeria Boosts Customs Tech with Dutch Lab Expertise

Algerian customs experts visited the Netherlands to study its customs laboratory, aiming to learn from its best practices in operational models, infrastructure, and technology applications. This visit was a support activity under the EU-WCO HS-Africa Programme, designed to assist Algeria in building a modern customs laboratory and enhancing its capabilities in tariff classification, commodity analysis, and trade facilitation. The initiative seeks to strengthen Algeria's customs infrastructure and expertise, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective trade processes.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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