GRA Officials Shine at UNCTAD Training, Deepening The Gambia’s Trade Reform Drive

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Two senior officials from the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Trade Facilitation Unit, alongside members of the National Trade Facilitation Secretariat at the Ministry of Trade, have successfully completed a high-level capacity-building course organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), marking yet another milestone in The Gambia’s accelerating trade reform agenda.

The prestigious Effective Communication Course for National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) was held from 4th to 6th February 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and brought together select countries committed to modernizing trade systems and strengthening global competitiveness.

The in-person training builds on a series of intensive online courses previously delivered by UNCTAD, focusing on the strategic use of the Reform Tracker—a cutting-edge digital platform supporting the implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Since formally joining the platform in April 2025, The Gambia has emerged as one of its most active and exemplary users, recording an impressive TFA implementation score of 59.57%.

Demonstrating exceptional commitment to transparency and accountability, The Gambia continues to hold weekly coordination meetings with UNCTAD, ensuring steady progress, policy coherence, and predictable reform outcomes.

The Johannesburg course was designed to further empower NTFC members by enhancing their public speaking and strategic communication skills, strengthening their ability to monitor reform implementation through the Reform Tracker, and equipping them with effective change-management tools to overcome resistance and sustain momentum in trade facilitation reforms.

During the programme, the Gambian delegation delivered compelling presentations highlighting the remarkable achievements of the NTFC between 2023 and 2025, as well as ambitious reform plans for 2026 and 2027, including anticipated challenges and mitigation strategies. The delegation also showcased The Gambia’s NTFC Communication Strategy and Implementation Plan for 2026, earning commendation for clarity, vision, and alignment with international best practices.

Notably, The Gambia ranks among the first and few countries worldwide to benefit from the UNCTAD Reform Tracker, following a formal request by the Government. The platform plays a critical role in coordinating national trade facilitation reforms, particularly the implementation of outstanding Category B and C measures under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

The successful completion of this course, coupled with The Gambia’s proactive and effective use of the Reform Tracker, underscores the country’s unwavering commitment to transparency, predictability, and fairness in global trade. These efforts significantly enhance investor confidence and reinforce The Gambia’s standing as a credible and reliable trading partner on the international stage.

On behalf of the Chairman of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, heartfelt appreciation is extended to the Commissioner General and the entire Management of the Gambia Revenue Authority for their visionary leadership and relentless drive in advancing trade facilitation reforms in full alignment with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.