Gambia Revenue Authority Collecting Revenue for National Development

GRA and Senegal Customs Adopt Three-Month Roadmap to Strengthen Cross-Border Trade and Security

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Senegalese Customs Administration have adopted a three-month implementation roadmap aimed at removing Customs bottlenecks, facilitating transit and strengthening security along the borders of the two countries.

The agreement was reached during the second Monitoring Committee Meeting, held on 16 and 17 July 2026 at the Rhino Hotel, Resort and Spa in Saly, Mbour, Senegal.

The meeting reviewed progress on commitments arising from previous bilateral engagements, including directives from the fourth session of the Senegal–Gambia Presidential Council. Officials examined challenges affecting cross-border Customs operations and agreed on practical measures with clear implementation timelines.

Key decisions included:

1. Installing the GAINDE Customs system at key Senegalese border posts, including Karang, Keur Ayib, Baidara and Selety.
2. Deploying SIGMAT, the ECOWAS regional electronic transit system, to enable real-time monitoring of goods in transit.
3. Eliminating double escorting of transit goods along the Baidara–Wellingara corridor.
4. Removing unnecessary redeclaration and transit-agent requirements and recognising transit declarations issued in The Gambia.
5. Connecting ASYCUDA and GAINDE through an Application Programming Interface to support electronic data exchange and mirror analysis.
6. Conducting joint border operations every three months to combat fraud, smuggling and other illicit trade activities.
7. Strengthening intelligence sharing through World Customs Organization platforms.

Speaking on behalf of GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, Commissioner of Customs Alhagie K. Mbye described the meeting as an important step towards translating the directives of the two Heads of State into practical and measurable results.

He emphasised the importance of coordinated border management, regular engagement, intelligence sharing and stronger institutional cooperation in facilitating legitimate trade and the free movement of people and goods.

Technical teams from both Customs administrations are expected to begin work immediately, with progress monitored against the agreed roadmap. The measures are expected to reduce delays and costs, improve border efficiency, strengthen security and promote regional trade and economic integration.