• Benin launches new AI-powered customs platform

• The platform enhances data sharing among trade actors, aiming to reduce fraud, speed up goods processing, and attract investment.

Benin has rolled out a new national intelligent customs management system, developed by trade facilitation technology firm Webb Fontaine, marking a significant stride in the West African nation's digital transformation efforts.

Webb Fontaine announced the official launch of Customs Webb on Wednesday, May 21. The new system is now operational across all of Benin's customs offices, including ports, airports, and land border posts, replacing the older ASYCUDA (SYDONIA) software.

Anicet Houngbo, Managing Director of Webb Fontaine Benin, stated that Customs Webb is designed to foster a "more efficient, less burdensome, transparent, and intelligent environment for customs operations," enabling Benin to fully leverage this technological advancement.

The platform's deployment was accelerated over 14 months without any disruption to ongoing customs activities. It incorporates artificial intelligence tools aimed at boosting transparency, efficiency, and the fluidity of trade. Since its implementation, the system has already processed over 100,000 customs declarations, recorded more than 200,000 payments, and issued 100,000 vehicle passes. It currently supports 800 active users and connects 95 organizations.

This initiative aligns with the Beninese government's digital strategy, launched in 2016, with the goal of positioning the country as a regional hub for digital services in West Africa. As part of this broader strategy, Benin previously rolled out the Single Window for Foreign Trade between 2018 and 2024, also in partnership with Webb Fontaine. This process included the progressive integration of tools such as the Port Community System and an electronic cargo tracking solution.

The new system significantly enhances the interconnection of Benin's primary trade platforms, enabling automatic data sharing among customs, port authorities, transporters, and banks. This improved interconnection is expected to expedite goods processing, mitigate fraud risks, and optimize tax revenue collection. Ultimately, it aims to bolster Benin's appeal to investors by offering a more transparent, faster, and more secure business environment.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji