Togo-Benin/Transit: Togo and Benin customs now interconnected

Togolese and Beninese customs are now interconnected, through the SIGMAT module (Interconnected Management System of Goods in Transit). A ceremony was organized for this purpose this Tuesday, September 20, at the border post of Sanvee-Condji / Hilla-Condji, bridging the gap between the two neighboring countries.

Already active in countries of the sub-region such as Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Mali, this module allows for electronic data exchange between customs systems. This facilitates and secures the movement of goods through the region's various trade corridors by providing accurate digital information to customs officers on goods in transit from one state to another.

This new interconnection is expected to make trade between the two countries more fluid and secure the international supply chain and revenues by minimizing the risk of fraud, according to Atta-Kakra Essien, the Commissioner of Customs.

This is part of an ECOWAS customs interconnection project, which aims to improve regional integration by automating transit procedures in the Union. Its implementation is supported by partners such as ECOWAS, UNCTAD, the European Union, the World Bank and the German Cooperation.

As a reminder, it was in March 2019 that Togo began to formally engage in the SIGMAT framework, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding, for the interconnection of its customs computer system, with that of Burkina Faso and Niger.

Source: www.togofirst.com