WCO Backs Gambias Customs Reform for West African Leadership

WCO Backs Gambias Customs Reform for West African Leadership

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in building a competency-based human resource management system. Through expert consultations and institutionalization efforts, the GRA is expected to become a benchmark for human resource management in West Africa, offering valuable lessons for other developing countries. This initiative aims to strengthen the GRA's capabilities and contribute to its overall effectiveness and efficiency in customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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MSC Deploys First 24000 TEU Ships to West Africa

MSC Deploys First 24000 TEU Ships to West Africa

MSC has introduced its first 24,000 TEU super container ship to Africa, marking a new chapter in West African shipping history. This initiative aims to enhance regional trade connectivity, boost local economic development, and demonstrate MSC's long-term commitment to the African market.

06/03/2025 Logistics
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West Africa Launches Etransit System to Enhance Trade

West Africa Launches Etransit System to Enhance Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Customs administrations of five West African countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, and Togo) have launched the development of an electronic transit messaging system. This initiative aims to simplify cross-border transit procedures by standardizing data and sharing information, thereby improving regional trade efficiency and promoting the effective implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The system is expected to inject new impetus into the economic development of the West African region.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ecobank Burkina Faso SWIFT Codes Guide for West African Transfers

Ecobank Burkina Faso SWIFT Codes Guide for West African Transfers

This article provides a detailed overview of Ecobank Burkina Faso's SWIFT code, ECOCBFBFXXX, highlighting the crucial role of SWIFT codes in international money transfers. It offers a practical guide for using this code to facilitate secure and efficient transactions. The guide includes important pre- and post-transfer considerations and tips for improving the efficiency of cross-border payments when sending money to or from Burkina Faso, ensuring smooth and reliable international banking operations.

09/01/2025 International Settlement
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Guide to Gambia Bank SWIFTBIC Codes for West African Transfers

Guide to Gambia Bank SWIFTBIC Codes for West African Transfers

This guide provides a SWIFT/BIC code lookup service for banks in Gambia, facilitating seamless international money transfers. Search by bank name or city to quickly locate the required code. It emphasizes the importance of SWIFT codes and offers remittance solutions with better exchange rates, lower fees, and faster delivery. Furthermore, it addresses frequently asked questions to eliminate obstacles in the remittance process. Find the right SWIFT code and explore efficient ways to send money to Gambia.

09/01/2025 International Settlement
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WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

The WCO held an Information Technology Strategic Seminar for West and Central Africa in Senegal. This event aimed to enhance customs leadership capabilities to address evolving trade challenges and promote economic development within the region. The seminar focused on leveraging information technology to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance. Participants explored strategic approaches to modernize customs operations and facilitate legitimate trade flows, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth and integration. The WCO continues to support its member administrations in adopting innovative solutions for effective border management.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central African Customs Officials Boost Skills Via WCO Training

West and Central African Customs Officials Boost Skills Via WCO Training

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.

01/05/2026 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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Gambias Customs Reform Gains WCO Backing for West African Talent Hub

Gambias Customs Reform Gains WCO Backing for West African Talent Hub

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.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

Five West African nations are jointly developing an electronic transit system to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, thereby promoting regional economic integration and supporting trade facilitation agreements. This initiative aims to modernize customs procedures and enhance the movement of goods within the region, fostering economic growth and attracting investment. By leveraging technology, the system seeks to overcome existing bottlenecks and create a more predictable and transparent trade environment for businesses operating in West Africa.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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