International Aid Strengthens Malis Customs Crisis Response

International Aid Strengthens Malis Customs Crisis Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborates with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) through the C-RED project to support Mali in enhancing its customs clearance capacity for emergency relief goods. This initiative aims to strengthen customs' preparedness for emergencies in West Africa by focusing on capacity building, coordination mechanisms, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The goal is to ensure the rapid delivery of relief supplies, contributing to the protection of lives and livelihoods during crises.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

With the support of the WCO, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has initiated strategic management reforms aimed at enhancing organizational project management capabilities and strategic monitoring and evaluation frameworks. This collaboration aims to position the GRA as a strategic management role model in West Africa, ultimately increasing fiscal revenue and promoting economic development. The reforms focus on building internal capacity and establishing robust mechanisms for tracking progress and ensuring accountability in achieving strategic objectives. The expected outcome is a more efficient and effective revenue collection system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Exploring Porto Grande An Overview of Cape Verdes Vital Maritime Hub

Exploring Porto Grande An Overview of Cape Verdes Vital Maritime Hub

Grande Port is located on São Vicente Island in Cape Verde, just 455 kilometers from the west coast of Africa, serving as a key maritime hub. The port features 11 cargo berths and 3 ferry berths, handling 2,280 vessels and 652,000 tons of cargo annually. It primarily imports fuel and exports local specialty products, highlighting its crucial role in international trade.

07/24/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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WCO Enhances Nigeria Ghana Customs to Boost Trade

WCO Enhances Nigeria Ghana Customs to Boost Trade

With WCO support, Nigeria and Ghana jointly organized a training of trainers program on valuation, aiming to enhance customs valuation capabilities and promote trade facilitation in both countries. Following the termination of contracts with private inspection companies and the return of valuation responsibilities to customs, this training covered technical valuation, valuation control, and trainer skills. The goal is to strengthen the national valuation trainer pool in both countries, injecting new momentum into trade development in West Africa. This initiative is expected to improve valuation accuracy and efficiency, ultimately contributing to smoother trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central African Customs Chiefs Back Continental Free Trade

West and Central African Customs Chiefs Back Continental Free Trade

The meeting of heads of customs from West and Central Africa focused on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The World Customs Organization reaffirmed its support, emphasizing the critical role of customs departments and the importance of infrastructure. Discussions also covered addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic, combating counterfeit medicines and vaccines, and strengthening capacity building and regional cooperation. These efforts aim to contribute to regional economic development and the prosperity of the African continent. The importance of efficient customs procedures for the AfCFTA's success was highlighted.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos WACAM Project Modernizes HR in West and Central African Customs

Wcos WACAM Project Modernizes HR in West and Central African Customs

The WCO-WACAM project supports the modernization and upgrade of human resource management in customs administrations in West and Central Africa. Through regional workshops and technical assistance, it assists customs agencies in the region to reform their HR management systems. The project aims to build a competency-based HR management system, improve the overall quality and efficiency of customs staff, and promote trade facilitation and economic development. The initiatives are designed to enhance customs workforce capabilities and contribute to regional economic growth by streamlining customs processes and improving overall performance.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bamako Airport Expansion Elevates Malis West African Trade Role

Bamako Airport Expansion Elevates Malis West African Trade Role

Bamako Airport serves as a vital aviation hub for Mali's capital. Recent upgrades have significantly enhanced its operational capacity. Several international airlines operate scheduled passenger and cargo flights, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. This activity injects new vitality into the local economy and strengthens Mali's connection to the rest of the world. The airport's strategic location positions it as a key gateway within West Africa.

09/26/2025 Airport Codes
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Capesize Freight Rates Jump Amid Tight Supplydemand Balance

Capesize Freight Rates Jump Amid Tight Supplydemand Balance

Capesize market defies seasonal trends with a remarkable 25% freight rate surge. Analysis indicates that tight vessel supply in the North Atlantic, stable iron ore exports from Brazil, and a significant increase in bauxite demand from West Africa are the primary drivers. Looking ahead, bauxite exports from Guinea are poised to become a new engine for Capesize demand growth, potentially reshaping the market landscape.

02/05/2026 Logistics
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DR Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

DR Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

The WCO is assisting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Customs to enhance its valuation capabilities, addressing challenges following contract termination to safeguard revenue and ensure fair trade. This initiative is part of the WCO's West and Central Africa assistance program. The support aims to strengthen customs procedures and improve the accuracy of valuation processes, thereby contributing to increased revenue collection and a more transparent trading environment in the DRC.

01/26/2026 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 is assisting the Ivorian Customs in its modernization efforts. This includes the introduction of a competency-based system and project management methodologies. The aim is to enhance the customs administration's overall management and service delivery capabilities. This initiative focuses on strengthening human resources and improving operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more effective and modern customs service in Côte d'Ivoire.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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