Gambia Emphasizes Integrated Border Management for Enhanced Trade Facilitation

In a significant stride towards improving trade processes, Hon. Yankuba Darboe, the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), underscored the Gambian government's commitment to integrated border management during a recent workshop on coordinated border management. This five-day event, gathering representatives from various sectors including Customs, the Gambia Police Force, and the Immigration Department, aims to consolidate efforts to craft a comprehensive framework for border management. During his keynote address at the workshop hosted at the Senegambia hotel, Darboe articulated the government's recognition of Coordinated Border Management (CBM) as paramount for enhancing trade facilitation. He stated, “Our goal is to improve border efficiency, streamline our trade processes, and foster robust inter-agency collaboration.” Central to these discussions is a Draft Strategy for 2025-2029 developed by the GRA, aimed at modernizing border management and facilitating smoother trade operations. This strategy is part of a broader initiative to bolster The Gambia’s trade ecosystem. Since 2021, The Gambia has collaborated with the World Customs Organization (WCO) through the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, which focuses on implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Darboe highlighted the areas identified for improvement, such as ongoing border delays and procedural complexities that hinder efficient trade.

Currently, border operations in The Gambia involve 6 to 10 government agencies, which presents significant challenges. Darboe emphasized the importance of CBM reforms in addressing these issues, stating that better coordination would lead to reduced trade costs and stimulate economic growth. Despite the ongoing initiatives, Darboe acknowledged gaps in practical knowledge regarding CBM implementation. He outlined the GRA's requirements for capacity-building, which include standardizing operating procedures across border agencies, harmonizing data for effective exchange, and devising comprehensive risk management strategies. The workshop also featured insights into a draft inter-agency standard operations framework on CBM, developed by a working group representing various border agencies. This framework was crafted through virtual sessions with WCO experts, highlighting the collaborative approach needed to establish a robust border management system. Key elements of the draft framework encompass legal provisions, operational guidelines for border agencies, and protocols for the efficient physical movement of goods through ports. Additionally, it addresses expedited clearance systems for various goods categories, enhancing the overall efficiency of border operations.

In closing, Darboe pointed out that the implementation of capacity-building initiatives within the GRA would lay the foundation for standardized operating procedures at all points of entry in The Gambia. He further reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts among border agencies to facilitate effective trade flow while ensuring proper revenue collection. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Jim Clarke from the WCO reiterated the critical need for information-sharing between border agencies to ensure seamless trade operations while safeguarding The Gambia’s revenue interests. Their collective efforts signify a proactive approach to developing a modern and integrated border management framework.