Freetown is a key port in Sierra Leone, benefiting from its strategic location and facilities, which lay the groundwork for cargo handling and foreign trade development. The port's seven berths and convenient railway connections present excellent opportunities for business collaboration and economic growth, making it an ideal choice for exploring the West African market.
Customs trainees from French-speaking West, Central, and parts of African countries visited the WCO Secretariat. Through thematic lectures and exchange visits, they gained in-depth understanding of the WCO's operational mechanisms, strategic planning, and capacity building projects. The training aims to enhance the professional level of customs officers in developing countries, promote international customs cooperation, and build a safer and more efficient global trade system. The visit fostered knowledge sharing and strengthened relationships within the global customs community.
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.
The WCO is supporting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in upgrading its human resources management. This initiative pioneers competency-based HRM in West and Central Africa, aiming to establish a regional hub for talent. The project focuses on developing skills and capabilities within the GRA, ultimately enhancing its operational efficiency and effectiveness. By implementing modern HR practices, the GRA aims to attract, retain, and develop a highly skilled workforce, contributing to improved revenue collection and overall economic development in the region.
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.
The 2025 West African Machinery Expo (WAM) in Lagos showcased the immense potential of the West African market. The exhibition brought together numerous Chinese companies, displaying the latest products and technologies. With its precise B2B matching system, WAM facilitates efficient market expansion for businesses in West Africa. More than just a product showcase, WAM serves as a crucial bridge for Sino-African trade, providing invaluable market opportunities for Chinese enterprises.
The Port of Portland is a key port on the U.S. West Coast, handling over 11 million tons of cargo annually, with a strong emphasis on automotive logistics. In the future, the port will continue to enhance its sustainability efforts, achieving a win-win for both the economy and the environment, thereby driving regional economic development.
Lomé Port is the main port of Togo, serving significant sovereign, industrial, and commercial functions while providing crucial transit services for landlocked countries. With ongoing operational optimizations and infrastructure improvements, Lomé Port plays a key role in promoting regional economic integration and international trade. In the future, it must also address environmental protection challenges to achieve sustainable development.
Mormugao Port, located in Goa, India, is a significant deep-water port on the western coast of India. It primarily handles iron ore exports and coal imports, with recent additions of liquid bulk and general cargo handling. Renamed Mormugao Port Authority in 2022, it faces opportunities and challenges related to modernization and sustainable development.
Jeddah Port is the main commercial port of Saudi Arabia located on the eastern shore of the Red Sea, established in 647 AD. It plays a significant role in global trade and Muslim pilgrimage. The port features modern facilities that support diverse economic activities, showcasing its unique historical significance and strategic position.
