The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has signed a concession agreement with Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited to advance a customs modernisation project aimed at reducing trade barriers and improving the movement of goods across African borders.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on the proposed AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project, which will focus on developing digitally enabled customs administrations that can improve efficiency, security and coordination among African countries.
The initiative is expected to support the digitalisation and simplification of customs procedures, secure electronic exchange of customs information, coordinated border management, modern transit systems, risk management, data analytics and capacity building, according to the AfCFTA Secretariat.
The signing ceremony in Abuja marks a step toward implementing practical measures under the continental trade agreement, which seeks to boost intra-African trade by creating a single market for goods and services among African Union member states.
Long border clearance times, fragmented customs systems and limited digital connectivity remain among the challenges affecting trade flows across Africa. The modernisation project is designed to address these constraints by improving information sharing between customs authorities and introducing technology-driven processes.
The partnership is also expected to help governments strengthen customs controls and protect public revenue while making legitimate trade easier for businesses operating across African markets.
Africa’s intra-continental trade has continued to expand following the implementation of AfCFTA instruments, including the Protocol on Trade in Goods and initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which aim to reduce operational barriers for businesses.
The AfCFTA Secretariat said the collaboration with Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited aligns with efforts to create border systems that are more transparent, predictable and responsive to the needs of traders.
