By Sainabou Sambou
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is reaping the rewards of its upgraded customs system, the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World, which has revolutionized the electronic processing of customs declarations, payments, and trade regulation. According to the GRA’s 2023 report, this cutting-edge software has significantly boosted efficiency and revenue collection, marking a turning point for the nation’s fiscal landscape.
ASYCUDA World, developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is praised for simplifying the classification of goods for import and export, enhancing trade facilitation across borders. The GRA’s successful adoption of the system owes much to the African Development Bank (AfDB), which funded the initiative to streamline international trade, accelerate goods clearance, and bolster revenue mobilization.
The transition to ASYCUDA World was no small feat. The GRA established a dedicated customs team, trained by the ASYCUDA Programme, to oversee the migration from the older ASYCUDA++ system. The national implementation team—comprising five women and 11 men—completed an intensive six-week training program focused on technical installation, data capture configuration, and system management. Despite challenges, including a 50% reduction in capacity at the Port of Banjul between 2017 and 2022, the GRA’s collaboration with the ASYCUDA Programme has paid off.
The results speak for themselves. In 2023, customs revenue surged by 23%, with the GRA collecting a record D15.6 billion (approximately $230 million)—exceeding the government’s target by 4%. Monthly collections hit new highs, with March reaching D1.5 billion (about $22.1 million) and July climbing even further to D1.6 billion (around $23.6 million).
The GRA’s investment in ASYCUDA World underscores its commitment to modernizing trade processes and securing vital revenue streams, positioning The Gambia as a standout example of technological innovation in customs management.
