Abuja: The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has issued a warning that African customs administrations are encountering increasing challenges due to political pressures, rising consumer expectations, and complex global supply chains. The organization emphasized the urgent need for modernisation and strategic trade management to address these issues.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders, speaking at the Customs-Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) conference themed ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges’, highlighted the numerous trade challenges Africa faces. He pointed out that trade facilitation and regional integration are vital for the continent’s economic growth.
Saunders, in his keynote titled ‘Global Customs Modernisation: The African Opportunity,’ outlined that Africa’s customs challenges are exacerbated by infrastructure gaps, limited border management capacity, and logistical difficulties in many landlocked and fragile countries. He explained that inadequate infrastructure, complex transit procedures, and fragile borders make trade facilitation particularly challenging in Africa, necessitating coordinated customs strategies and innovative approaches.
Despite these challenges, Saunders praised the resilience and adaptability of customs administrations in effectively managing cross-border trade. He stressed that customs modernisation is crucial for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which depends on streamlined processes, coordinated enforcement, and advanced technology to enhance regional commerce.
Saunders highlighted the importance of partnerships among stakeholders, processes, and technology to facilitate efficient trade while meeting regulatory, security, and economic goals. He advocated for improved processes, digital platforms, and stronger collaborations to support efficiency-driven operations, data-informed decision-making, and enhanced public-private sector cooperation.
He underscored the need for collaboration among customs authorities, trade policymakers, political leaders, and other government agencies responsible for border clearance and facilitation. Saunders also emphasized the private sector’s role in supplying goods and services critical to trade expectations and regional economic growth.
Saunders noted that true customs modernisation requires investment in digital infrastructure and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and analytics, to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making. He stressed the importance of cybersecurity in protecting systems and ensuring the integrity of trade data.
Effective facilitation, according to Saunders, relies on advanced measures such as pre-submission of information and risk assessment methodologies to enable predictable, compliant trade. He added that efficient transit procedures, including the use of carn©s, reduce delays and ensure predictable treatment for traders.
The WCO has developed standards and guidance to support customs administrations, promoting predictability and timely decision-making while maintaining efficiency and security. Saunders concluded that the C-PACT conference presents an opportunity for Africa to break down barriers, build bridges, and advance regional economic integration and stronger participation in global trade.