10-year anniversary of the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme marked by the announcement of additional funding to extend the programme

As the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2025, the United Kingdom has announced the allocation of approximately 1 million euro in additional funding for the World Customs Organization (WCO) to extend the programme until March 2026.

The programme, which was launched in 2015, is a partnership between the WCO, the United Kingdom's His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It aims to ease the cross-border movement of goods and enhance public-private collaboration through the implementation of the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

Over the years, the programme has evolved in both scope and geographical focus, and the WCO is currently supporting 11 countries in Africa and Asia in their Customs reform agendas. The extension to the programme is a reflection of its success in assisting Members in implementing international standards and best practices with a view to enhancing their business environment. Welcoming the news, the WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, noted that, "The Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme has demonstrated what can be accomplished through partnerships that are forged with clear purpose. The programme's comprehensive approach supporting Customs reforms at the technical level while enhancing Customs integrity and organizational capability has positively impacted a number of WCO Members.."

Several Member administrations responded to the news and welcomed the programme's extension. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stated that, "By participating in the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, the NCS has been able to achieve great results in a relatively short period of time. We have already enhanced our PCA functions and launched our AEO programme, with a direct time and cost reductions for traders. Looking ahead, thanks to the programme's support, we will be able to continuously measure our progress by carrying out Time Release Studies - further reducing clearance times and facilitating smoother trade flows."

His message of appreciation was echoed by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Commissioner, Sam Shivute: "Namibia greatly benefited from the synergy of the partnership with UNCTAD and the WCO. UNCTAD helped to empower the National Committee on Trade Facilitation, while the WCO's hands-on capacity building on coordinated border management and Time Release Studies led to tangible results. We could have not done it without the WCO, and NamRA will show the same level of determination in boosting its AEO programme. NamRA is eternally grateful for the technical support rendered by the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme."

Megan Shaw, HMRC Head of International Customs and Border Engagement, said: "The UK is a proud member of the WCO and the global Customs family. We recognize the value of efficient Customs in promoting growth and prosperity. We are delighted to continue supporting our partners around the world in modernizing Customs and implementing the WTO TFA." She added: "The WCO's unique Customs-to-Customs expertise and ability to draw from a network of experts within the global Customs community, including from HMRC and UK Border Force, will continue to play a vital role in this unique collaboration."

For more information on the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, please see here.