As part of its multi-year strategic partnership under the auspices of the WCO’s Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, as financially supported by the United Kingdom, the WCO conducted a four-day workshop from 10 to 13 March 2025 in Banjul, to support the GRA in applying internationally recognized WCO performance measurement mechanisms, ensuring alignment with global standards and good practices.
The WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM) is a globally acknowledged framework that assesses Customs efficiency across key areas such as Trade facilitation, Revenue collection, Customs enforcement, and Organisational development.
At the workshop opening session, GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe emphasised the importance of performance measurement in modern Customs administration:
“Today’s capacity building initiative on application of the WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism is part of our journey to strengthen our organizational performance measurement system. The Gambia acceded to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in July 2017 and the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention in June 2023, committing to global Trade Facilitation and Customs standards. Recognizing the importance of data-driven decision-making, the GRA requested this training to enhance its evidence-based performance tracking. By implementing the WCO PMM, the GRA is strengthening its ability to monitor performance, improve operational efficiency, and align with international obligations. This evidence-based approach will directly impact economic development and the business environment.”
GRA Commissioner of Customs, Alhagie K. Mbye, highlighted the workshop’s long-term impact: “The insights and skills gained through this initiative will be integrated into our strategic plans for the next five years. This training also reinforces our commitment to African Union (AU) trade facilitation priorities, including coordinated border management, voluntary compliance programme, and automated risk management systems.”
The GRA began its partnership with the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme in 2021. The Programme aims at supporting partner countries to effectively implement the provisions of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The TFA is a binding and mandatory agreement and contains provisions expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods.
The TFA is widely recognised as an opportunity to get not just Customs on board but all stakeholders for effective trade facilitation reforms to boost a country’s national competitiveness and to foster sustainable development through inclusive increase in international trade. This is especially important for smaller companies, which are affected by burdensome border procedures.
Arman Zhalitov, Country & Project Lead of the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, commended the GRA’s leadership and commitment to reform and Customs efficiency, stating: “Since 2021, our collaboration resulted in now having a robust multi-year strategic partnership with The Gambia, supporting various WTO TFA technical areas including the Coordinated Border Management, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, Time Release Study, and the National Customs Enforcement Network (nCEN). These initiatives aim to streamline cross-border trade, reduce delays, and support businesses by easing complex border procedures.”
He added that the WCO remains committed to supporting the GRA in achieving its strategic and trade facilitation goals, and looks forward to continuing its partnership with The Gambia to promote sustainable trade facilitation reforms and inclusive economic prosperity.
Banjul, The Gambia – 13 March 2025.
