Francophone Customs Chiefs Meet in Dakar to Boost Trade Curb Smuggling

Published: 12/30/2025
Customs Cooperation Trade Facilitation Dakar Declaration
The 19th Conference of Heads of Customs Administrations of French-Speaking Countries was held in Senegal, focusing on trade facilitation, economic competitiveness, and customs cooperation in combating illicit trade. The conference adopted the 'Dakar Declaration,' which proposes ten recommendations aimed at simplifying customs clearance procedures, strengthening information sharing, deepening regional cooperation, and improving personnel skills. The WCO pledged its support and will establish a follow-up monitoring system. The Prime Minister of Senegal expressed appreciation and encouragement for the work of customs officials from French-speaking countries.
Francophone Customs Chiefs Meet in Dakar to Boost Trade Curb Smuggling

DAKAR - Senior customs officials from French-speaking nations gathered in Senegal's capital this week for a strategic summit aimed at enhancing trade facilitation while strengthening defenses against illicit commerce.

The 19th Conference of Francophone Customs Directors General, hosted by Senegal Customs Director General Elimane Salieu Niang on October 27-28, 2014, brought together leaders from 18 nations and four international organizations under the auspices of World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya.

Senegal Champions Trade Facilitation Agenda

Senegalese Finance Minister Amadou Ba opened the proceedings with an emphatic endorsement of customs modernization, setting a collaborative tone for the discussions. Secretary General Mikuriya reinforced WCO's commitment to fostering multilateral cooperation among Francophone customs administrations.

Dakar Declaration: A Blueprint for Customs Modernization

Delegates adopted the landmark Dakar Declaration featuring ten strategic recommendations to guide customs development across French-speaking nations. The comprehensive framework addresses:

  • Streamlined clearance procedures: Implementing advanced technologies and management methods to reduce trade costs
  • Enhanced information sharing: Establishing robust risk management systems to combat smuggling and tax evasion
  • Regional cooperation: Expanding mutual recognition agreements to address cross-border trade challenges
  • Capacity building: Developing professional training programs to strengthen customs workforce capabilities

The declaration establishes concrete action items rather than aspirational goals, with provisions for monitoring implementation through WCO-supported evaluation mechanisms.

High-Level Recognition

Senegal Prime Minister Mohammed Dionne hosted delegations during the conference, commending customs officials for their critical role in economic security and trade facilitation. Participants expressed appreciation for Senegal's hospitality and the productive working environment.

Future Directions

The summit concluded with commitments to deepen collaboration in four priority areas: trade process optimization, risk assessment systems, regional partnership networks, and human resource development. These measures aim to position Francophone customs administrations as key contributors to global trade governance.

Observers note the conference outcomes demonstrate growing alignment between Francophone customs practices and international standards, with potential to influence broader customs modernization efforts worldwide.

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