The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has taken a significant step towards implementing an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. As part of its multi-year strategic partnership with the WCO’s Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme and building on previous AEO support and remote capacity-building sessions, an in-country mission took place from 27-31 January 2025, aimed to refine the AEO Manual, which stipulates AEO benefits, criteria and procedures.
Facilitated by experts of the WCO Secretariat and Uganda Revenue Authority, the Workshop engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), representatives from the Ministry of Trade, the Gambia Police Force, the Gambia Standards Bureau, the Gambia Immigration Department, the Gambia Ports Authority, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and representatives from the Private Sector from various industries.
The GRA Commissioner General, Mr. Yankuba Darboe, emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative culture among Customs, businesses, and government agencies, including within the AEO Programme. By leveraging technology and integrating risk management through initiatives such as Gambia’s Single Window, the goal is to strengthen Coordinated Border Management and a single government approach to AEO to streamline procedures and improve trade efficiency and security.
The GRA's intention in piloting the AEO Programme is a strategic move to evaluate its processes and optimize resource allocation. By rigorously testing the AEO procedures, the initiative aims to enhance efficiency and maximize trade facilitation benefits, ensuring that the AEO programme achieves its operational goals and contributes positively to broader economic outcomes for improved trade facilitation and compliance.
The first client that applied to join the AEO Pilot highlighted that the AEO criteria had been a game-changer for their business, with an anticipated significant reduction in stock theft, improved compliance, more refined institutional memory, as well as a stronger focus on employee quality and reduced risk of internal collusions.
The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, financially supported by the United Kingdom, looks forward to continuing its partnership with GRA to promote sustainable trade facilitation reforms and inclusive economic prosperity.
For more information on the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, please see here.
For more information on WCO capacity building, please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.