AfCFTA's 20-year agreement with Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited will drive the implementation of the AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project.

The project, valued at $3.1 billion, will deploy advanced digital technologies and customs infrastructure to support the continent's free trade agenda.

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene described the agreement as a major milestone in Africa's quest to establish an integrated, technology-driven trading system.

Mene noted that the project will provide the digital infrastructure needed to implement AfCFTA protocols on customs harmonisation and trade facilitation, enabling customs administrations across the continent to improve efficiency, strengthen revenue collection, and facilitate the seamless movement of goods without imposing additional financial obligations on member states.

According to Mene, the project will support AfCFTA's ambition of creating a single continental market of about 1.3 billion people with a combined Gross Domestic Product estimated at $3.4 trillion.

The Nigerian experience with Bergmans' digital solutions, which improved cargo clearance, enhanced transparency, and boosted government revenue, inspired the initiative.

Mene said, "The success recorded in Nigeria convinced us that this initiative can deliver similar results across Africa. This is an achievement that should make Nigerians and Africans proud."

Bergmans Chairman Saleh Ahmadu stated that the agreement marked the beginning of a long-term investment that would reshape customs operations across participating African countries.

Ahmadu added, "Our experience in Nigeria has achieved remarkable success and attracted international recognition. It has become a model for customs modernisation across Africa, and we are committed to delivering a world-class customs ecosystem that supports the continent's economic integration."

The AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project is expected to address challenges by harmonising customs operations, strengthening information sharing, improving risk management, accelerating cargo clearance, and boosting revenue collection across participating countries while lowering the cost of doing business across Africa.

AfCFTA, which commenced trading in January 2021, is regarded as the world's largest free trade area by the number of participating countries, bringing together 54 African nations under a single market.

The agreement seeks to progressively eliminate tariffs, remove non-tariff barriers, and facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and investments across the continent.

Despite increased trade since the agreement came into force, experts have continued to identify inefficient customs procedures, fragmented border systems, and lengthy cargo clearance processes as major obstacles to achieving the full benefits of the continental free trade pact.

The AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project is expected to provide the digital infrastructure needed to support the implementation of AfCFTA protocols on customs harmonisation and trade facilitation.

Mene explained, "The project will enable customs administrations across the continent to improve efficiency, strengthen revenue collection, and facilitate the seamless movement of goods without imposing additional financial obligations on member states."

The Secretary-General disclosed that about 50 African countries had already signed on to the initiative.

Key Facts:

  • AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project: $3.1 billion
  • Duration: 20 years
  • Number of countries supporting the initiative: 50
  • Estimated combined Gross Domestic Product of the single continental market: $3.4 trillion
  • Population of the single continental market: 1.3 billion people