NIAMEY— The customs directors general from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) convened on Tuesday in Niamey, Niger, deciding to pursue a formal interconnection of customs systems with Togo. This move aims to secure and facilitate transit across the region, enhancing the efficiency of cross-border trade.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting brought together customs leaders from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. They agreed on a protocol of agreement and a framework instruction that paves the way for integrating their customs operations with Togo’s, ensuring smoother transactions and increased security along their shared borders.
The discussions also extended to future regulatory alignments with other neighboring countries, including Ivory Coast, reflecting the broader regional strategy to optimize customs functions. This initiative is part of a larger agenda to strengthen IT connectivity and promote socioeconomic growth through the unimpeded movement of people, goods, and services across the AES.
Additionally, the gathering, which honored Chad and Togo as special guests, served as a platform for experts to consider the implications of AES countries’ potential exit from ECOWAS. These deliberations are crucial as the directors general of customs assess the need for alternative measures to maintain and enhance regional cooperation and economic stability.