Interview with Ali Karim Alio, Webb Fontaine Niger General Manager
Webb Fontaine is an official technical partner of Niger, working closely with the government to revolutionise the country's international trade procedures through the implementation of Trade Single Window.
Using cutting-edge technologies, Webb Fontaine is helping to create a more dynamic and integrated foreign trade environment in Niger.
In early March, Webb Fontaine deployed LPCO 2 (Licences, Permits, Certificates and Others), a technologically advanced version of a crucial component of Niger's Foreign Trade Single Window.
This latest innovation demonstrates the company's commitment to improving the efficiency and accessibility of Niger's foreign trade processes. This module benefits from the latest technological advances, such as Artificial Intelligence, to offer GUCE-Niger users ultra-fast responsiveness and reduced processing times for their licenses, permits and certificates. LPCO 2 not only offers state-of-the-art functionality, but also provides a seamless and intuitive experience for users managing licenses, permits and certificates.
Infoniamey: Since the launch of the Single Window platform in Niger, have there been any significant changes in the speed and efficiency of business processes? Any key figures?
Ali Karim Alio: Niger's Single Window for Foreign Trade (Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur – GUCE Niger) was officially launched in May 2022 with the introduction of its first module, the Virtual Transaction File (Dossier Virtuel de Transaction – DVT). This initial module has already brought significant changes to international trade procedures in Niger. Previously, obtaining a statistical file required economic operators to spend several days or even weeks shuttling between the Chamber of Commerce, the bank, and the Ministry of Finance to secure the necessary documents for their import and export activities. Today, thanks to GUCE Niger, these files can be obtained in less than 48 hours, without the need for travel. Operators in remote areas, who used to pay intermediaries large sums of money, can now submit their applications from home or even abroad.
Several additional modules have since been implemented, enabling the issuance of various documents, including:
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Import/export statistical forms issued by the Chamber of Commerce,
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Hydrocarbon import and export licenses issued by the Ministry of Commerce,
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Licenses for the import and export of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), also issued by the Ministry of Commerce,
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Import and export licenses for pharmaceutical products issued by the Ministry of Health,
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Import and export permits for animals and animal products issued by the Ministry of Livestock,
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Import and export permits for plants and seeds issued by the Ministry of Agriculture,
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Foreign exchange authorisations and commitments issued by the Ministry of Finance.
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Additional functionalities have also been integrated into the platform, such as:
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Direct debit with all local banks,
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Electronic payment of fees with two major local banks (ECOBANK and ORABANK),
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Fast payment options with AL IZZA.
Key statistics:
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More than 25,000 statistical forms and licenses have been issued by the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Commerce,
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Over 15,000 foreign exchange authorisations have been issued by the Ministry of Finance,
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More than 21,000 bank domicilliations have been processed,
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Over 6,000 import licenses for pharmaceutical products have been issued,
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2,600 companies are now registered on the platform, and more than 2,000 users have been trained through over 200 training sessions.
In addition, more than 200,000,000 CFA francs have been paid to the State in stamp duties alone, with fees also collected for organisations such as the ANRP and the Chamber of Commerce.
Infoniamey: You recently deployed an advanced version of the essential Guichet Unique component, LPCO 2 (Licenses, Permits, Certificates, and others). What are the key features of LPCO 2, and what specific technological advancements does it bring to Niger's business processes?
Ali Karim Alio: First and foremost, the new module is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to transferring skills locally. It allows our local teams to take full ownership of the system by configuring and adapting license issuance processes to meet local needs. Every aspect of the configuration is handled from start to finish by Webb Fontaine Niger's local agents.
Moreover, this module addresses requests and recommendations from economic operators. For example, they wanted the ability to integrate data directly from an Excel file to eliminate manual data entry, and we’ve delivered this capability in the new module. Additionally, operators can now duplicate previously submitted applications and make minor adjustments to submit new ones, streamlining the application process.
One of the most significant features of this module is its use of artificial intelligence to assist with the customs classification of goods. It also enables the batch upload of multiple documents at once, further improving efficiency. Several other enhancements have been introduced, making the user interface more intuitive and user-friendly.
Infoniamey: How do you think LPCO 2 will impact local businesses and entrepreneurs in Niger?
Ali Karim Alio: LPCO 2, like all our modules, is already having a significant impact on businesses in Niger due to the ease and speed of processing introduced by our platform. Time saved for entrepreneurs directly translates into financial savings and, ultimately, increased revenue. By removing the need for travel, physical interactions, and out-of-pocket expenses, we are contributing to a more efficient and cost-effective business environment.
Infoniamey: The deployment of LPCO 2 in Niger marks a significant leap in digital transformation. How does this reflect Niger's commitment to revolutionising government services?
Ali Karim Alio: The deployment of LPCO2 in Niger marks a significant milestone in one of the State's flagship initiatives for digital transformation. For several years, Niger has been committed to simplifying the lives of its citizens by focusing on the digitisation of a large portion of public services. This shift has impacted various sectors, particularly the reforms led by the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry has undertaken extensive reforms within its key financial departments: the Directorate General of Taxes, the Directorate General of the Treasury, and the Directorate General of Customs. LPCO2 strengthens these efforts by offering innovative solutions that modernize and streamline services.
Moreover, several other projects are currently being discussed with these entities, paving the way for future collaborations with Webb Fontaine. Webb Fontaine is poised to leverage its expertise in support of Niger's institutional development, helping to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
This deployment is not only a technological advancement but also a testament to Niger’s strong commitment to revolutionising its public services by embracing modern and efficient solutions for the benefit of both its citizens and administration.
Infoniamey: How does LPCO 2 integration benefit merchants and government agencies in terms of compliance and operational efficiency?
Ali Karim Alio: As I mentioned earlier, the most significant benefit is the considerable time savings. This allows merchants to focus on their core activities—creating value, producing goods and services, and driving sales—rather than spending weeks dealing with administrative processes just to obtain a document. The platform also ensures transparency and fair treatment for all users by minimising physical interactions with government offices.
For government agencies, LPCO 2 provides real-time access to foreign trade statistics and data. Additionally, it enhances revenue mobilisation and security by eliminating the risk of document loss. The authenticity of issued documents can be verified at any time by authorised government officials within the system, further ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
Infoniamey: What sets Webb Fontaine apart in terms of government digital transformation services?
Ali Karim Alio: Our commitment is centred around empowering governments and businesses through innovative digital solutions that streamline and optimise trade management. What truly sets us apart is our deep understanding of the unique complexities of global trade, allowing us to develop tailored tools that accelerate processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance transparency.
At the core of our mission is the digital transformation of government services, particularly in the customs sector. We collaborate closely with administrations to implement intelligent systems that not only facilitate trade but also improve the way citizens interact with public services. Our solutions leverage advanced technologies to provide faster, more secure, and more efficient management of administrative and commercial processes.
By offering services that enhance competitiveness, increase public revenues, and reduce bureaucratic burdens, we play a key role in modernising governments and driving the growth of their economies in an increasingly globalised world.
Infoniamey: What role does stakeholder collaboration play in maximising the benefits of LPCO 2?
Ali Karim Alio: Stakeholder collaboration is essential to the success of LPCO 2. On September 12, we organised a meeting with all stakeholders to listen to their feedback and ensure the system evolves according to their needs. We are committed to responding to their concerns and delivering the solutions they require, and this collaborative approach is something we prioritise at every opportunity. Beyond these meetings, we also provide a multilingual call centre to address their needs and concerns in real-time. The module is designed for the users, and it must continue to evolve alongside them.
Infoniamey: How do you see the future of trade facilitation in Niger evolving with the continued use of LPCO 2?
Ali Karim Alio: Technology has become indispensable in international trade, and Niger is aligning with global trends. With LPCO 2, we aim to gradually integrate all government agencies that issue permits, certificates, licenses, visas, and other official documents. Webb Fontaine is dedicated to supporting Niger in achieving its technological ambitions. Drawing from our extensive experience in trade facilitation worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, we are helping Niger meet this technological challenge. We have already provided over 57 computers to various government departments, ensured high-speed internet access for users, and offered training to operators on the GUCE-Niger platform.
Originally published in Info Niamey on 16 October 2024 in French.
