WCO Workshop Advances Digital Customs Reform in West and Central Africa

WCO Workshop Advances Digital Customs Reform in West and Central Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis workshop for the West and Central Africa region, aiming to enhance the data analysis capabilities of customs administrations in the region. The workshop introduced the WCO's Big Data Strategy, shared member experiences, and updated participants on the latest developments in WCO capacity building. Participants highly appreciated the event and expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation to jointly promote the regional digital transformation of customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Maldives Customs Boosts Efficiency with Leadership Training

Maldives Customs Boosts Efficiency with Leadership Training

The Maldives Customs Service held an executive leadership management development retreat to implement the Mercator Implementation Plan, enhance teamwork and leadership, and optimize organizational development. The aim was to formulate a reliable strategic plan before World Customs Day, improve customs efficiency, and promote national economic development. The retreat focused on strengthening leadership skills and fostering collaboration to effectively execute strategic initiatives and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the Maldives.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Customs Modernizes Through Skills Training

Eswatini Customs Modernizes Through Skills Training

The Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), undertook a people development diagnostic mission to develop a competency-based customs talent development strategy, aiming to enhance customs modernization. The SRA is committed to adopting relevant management principles and implementing a plan encompassing key elements such as competency model development, job analysis, recruitment and training, and performance management. This initiative is designed to promote trade facilitation and economic development within Eswatini.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization, hosted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop. The aim was to identify and address trade bottlenecks through the TRS methodology, thereby improving customs clearance efficiency. This event is part of the WCO-Norwegian Development Cooperation Agency's Customs Capacity Building Project and complements Nicaragua's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. Both initiatives are dedicated to enhancing supply chain security and efficiency, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Tool Boosts Global Customs Training Efficiency

WCO Tool Boosts Global Customs Training Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully piloted a learning development assessment tool aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of capacity building for its members. Through implementation in Eswatini, the WCO gathered feedback and improved the assessment framework to more scientifically measure the value of training activities. This tool will be promoted and applied to support the development of customs worldwide, ensuring that training initiatives deliver tangible and measurable results in improving customs operations and efficiency.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the EU-WCO Programme for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System in Africa, provides comprehensive support to Madagascar Customs in establishing a national advance ruling system. This includes capacity building workshops, technical assistance, experience sharing, and laboratory construction. The initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation in Madagascar, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and increase trade certainty, ultimately injecting new vitality into the country's economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tonga Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Tonga Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission in Tonga, aiming to enhance customs modernization and facilitate trade. The WCO expert team engaged with various departments within Tonga Customs and external stakeholders to assess the existing system, provide recommendations for improvement, and share international best practices. This initiative is expected to help Tonga establish an efficient, transparent, and compliant PCA system, ultimately promoting trade facilitation and economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Supply Chain Resilience in Americas Caribbean

WCO Boosts Supply Chain Resilience in Americas Caribbean

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Americas and Caribbean region celebrated International Customs Day, emphasizing the theme of "Recovery, Renewal, Resilience." The focus was on technology empowerment, international cooperation, green development, and a people-centered approach. The aim is to reshape sustainable global supply chains, contributing to global trade security and economic prosperity. The celebration highlighted the importance of customs administrations in building resilient and adaptable systems to face future challenges and support global recovery efforts.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mali Customs HR System Sets Benchmark for West Africa

Mali Customs HR System Sets Benchmark for West Africa

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Mali Customs successfully implemented a competency-based human resources management system. Through broad participation and high-level support, they optimized recruitment, training, and performance management. This experience provides a valuable reference for other developing countries, emphasizing the importance of high-level commitment, broad participation, and a gradual approach. The goal is to enhance the professionalism of the customs workforce and contribute to national economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Pledge Faster Disaster Relief Clearance

Global Customs Agencies Pledge Faster Disaster Relief Clearance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) pledged to expedite customs clearance for disaster relief goods at the World Humanitarian Summit, emphasizing communication, coordination, and protection. The WCO will gather experiences, provide training, and launch an assistance project in West Africa. The Secretary General called for international cooperation to build an efficient and reliable global humanitarian relief system, leveraging data analysis to improve rescue efficiency. The WCO aims to streamline processes and foster collaboration to ensure aid reaches those in need quickly and effectively during times of crisis.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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