Senegal officially launched a National Trade Facilitation Forum on Monday, a key event that positions the country as a central player in the ambition for an integrated Africa. Organized ahead of two major international meetings, this initiative brought together the elite of Senegalese public decision-makers, experts, and economic stakeholders, all united around a vision: to transform Senegal into an essential logistics hub within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The urgency of the digital transition

From the outset, the emphasis was placed on the need to fully embrace the digital transformation. Faced with the emergence of the AfCFTA, the digitization of business procedures appears to be the essential lever for gaining competitiveness.

Ibrahima Nour Eddine Ndiaye, head of Gaïndé 2000, the organizing body, emphasized that Africa has the advantage of being able to "start directly with digital tools, without going through a paper-based process." He also stressed the main challenge: the interconnection of African single windows. According to him, this interoperability is crucial for ensuring the credibility of document circulation and streamlining trade within the continent. This approach aims to put technological innovation at the service of economic sovereignty and national and regional logistical efficiency.

Agility, the watchword of customs

National administrations, pioneers in digitalization, reaffirmed their commitment. Babacar Mbaye, Director General of Senegalese Customs, recalled the historical role of his institution since the implementation of the ORBUS system in 2004. He nevertheless emphasized the need for constant adaptation.

“The AfCFTA and e-commerce require a lot of agility. We need to stay modern and adapt our procedures,” he said.

For the Director General of Customs, the forum is an essential exchange platform to "see what is done best elsewhere" and thus improve existing processes.

Autonomous Port of Dakar: More than a technical issue

The debate then broadened to include the role of infrastructure. Waly Diouf Bodian, Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar (PAD), reminded everyone that trade facilitation goes beyond purely technical aspects.

“This is not just an operational issue; it is a fundamental lever for economic autonomy,” he stated. The Port Authority of Dakar (PAD) has positioned itself as a “strategic facilitator” of the national and regional supply chain, focusing its efforts on digitalization and innovation to consolidate its role.

Towards regional and global foundations

This national forum is just the start of a week of high-level discussions. It is part of a pan-African and international dynamic, serving as a prelude to two major events that will be held in Saly until November 27: the 11th International Conference on Single Windows of the African Alliance for Electronic Commerce (AACE) and the 44th Forum of the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Commerce (UN/CEFACT).

Senegal thus confirms its desire not to be just a participant, but a key player. key to discussions on the future of facilitated trade in Africa.