In a constantly evolving global context, marked by the growing complexity of trade and the urgent need for regional integration, simplicity, speed, and transparency in procedures have become vital drivers of development. Today, the Single Window is a cornerstone in the modernisation of customs administrations and the digital transformation of international trade.
In Africa, where trade volumes in goods and services are steadily increasing, governments are placing greater emphasis on automation and interoperability to boost economic competitiveness and reduce logistics costs. The implementation of national and regional Single Windows represents a strategic response to the demands of modern trade while supporting the continent’s integration goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In this interview, Arnaud Bouraïma, Chief Commercial Officer at Webb Fontaine, sheds light on the standardised Single Window system.
What have been the main focus areas in the development of the Single Window at Webb Fontaine over the past decade?
What began as simple data submission platforms has, over the past decade, evolved into advanced, AI-powered solutions. Webb Fontaine’s development of Single Window systems has focused on increasing efficiency, integration, and automation in trade processes. Fraud prevention mechanisms have also been embedded to protect data integrity and guard against malicious activities.
Governments and economic players now prioritise interoperability, real-time data sharing, user-friendly interfaces, and robust security measures to streamline international trade. While these advances have significantly modernised global commerce, many countries still rely on paper-based processes, highlighting the pressing need for digital transformation.
As a leading technology company, Webb Fontaine is committed to pushing boundaries to shape the future of global trade. We develop technologies that challenge traditional practices by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalisation into our solutions. We leverage advanced predictive capabilities, automated data analysis, and enhanced decision-making, resulting in greater efficiency, faster processing times, and improved transparency in port and trade operations.
These technological advances are essential to ensure that Webb Fontaine’s Single Window platform not only meets current demands but also anticipates future challenges in trade facilitation—positioning it as a leading solution in the digital transformation of international trade.
Since the concept of a Single Window is not new and has existed for over a decade, what makes yours stand out in today’s evolving market?
The Webb Single Window integrates cutting-edge technology to streamline processes, improve transparency, and boost efficiency like never before. Our focus on AI and machine learning allows for faster, more accurate data processing and better decision-making.
In addition, our system is designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, ensuring it can adapt smoothly to changing regulatory and trade requirements. We also prioritise user experience, offering intuitive interfaces and seamless integration with a wide range of stakeholders—from customs to port authorities—aiming to build a fully interconnected trade ecosystem.
Our continuous innovation ensures the Webb Single Window remains at the forefront of market trends, driving efficiency and supporting trade growth across Africa. At Webb Fontaine, we bring together experts in customs, logistics, ports, and trade facilitation, giving us a deep, practical understanding of the industry. This multidisciplinary approach ensures our solutions are not only technologically advanced but also aligned with real-world operational needs.
What are the key objectives behind developing and implementing a standardised Single Window across Africa?
In today’s global economy, streamlining international trade is essential. Governments are focused on simplifying processes and improving transparency in cross-border transactions. Developing a standardised Single Window across Africa is crucial for advancing regional integration—particularly under the AfCFTA, which aims to create a single market for 1.3 billion people.
By simplifying customs and administrative procedures, a standardised platform will reduce processing times and associated costs, streamline cross-border trade, and improve management of trade flows across the continent—enhancing economic cooperation.
The standardised Single Window provides a shared platform to simplify regulatory processes, giving businesses better access to markets and reducing complexity. It also boosts transparency and compliance by adhering to international standards.
By integrating technologies such as AI and machine learning, the Single Window optimises trade processes, reduces transaction costs, promotes innovation, and attracts foreign investment—making African businesses more competitive.
What challenges do African countries face in implementing a standardised Single Window system?
African countries are making significant progress in establishing standardised Single Window systems, though there are challenges—such as gaps in infrastructure and technology. Encouragingly, there is growing investment in upgrading digital platforms, connectivity, and power supply.
Efforts to harmonise regulations and customs procedures are also gaining ground, which enhances system interoperability between countries. Many economic actors are recognising the benefits of digital transformation and are gradually embracing change.
Capacity-building efforts are moving forward, and while financial constraints remain, governments and international partners are offering support. Political backing is another key factor; strong leadership and commitment from policymakers help drive regulatory reform, facilitate cross-border cooperation, and attract investment.
As data security measures improve, confidence in the protection of trade information increases—contributing to the creation of a safer, more efficient trade environment across Africa.
How can the efficiency gains from Single Window systems lead to more sustainable practices in the supply chain?
Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) highlights the importance of innovation—particularly through digital transformation projects that incorporate trade facilitation via Single Window systems. The reduction or elimination of paper documents, fewer physical movements by stakeholders, and time savings are major benefits of Single Window implementation.
Digitalisation and automation support more efficient resource and energy management, reducing reliance on physical and human inputs. Optimised logistics processes and improved transport efficiency help reduce the carbon footprint. Moreover, better traceability and transaction transparency ensure trade practices align with ecological and ethical standards—enhancing the sustainability of the entire supply chain.
How does Webb Fontaine plan to further develop or expand its Single Window offering?
Our advanced technology—developed in-house by our R&D centres—simplifies, accelerates, and optimises trade on a global scale. Webb Fontaine provides end-to-end solutions for all trade transactions. We’ve already embedded AI and machine learning into our Single Window offerings to boost automation and data processing.
We continue to improve cross-border connectivity by creating more interoperable solutions that integrate seamlessly with customs, trade, and logistics systems across Africa. We remain committed to growing partnerships with governments and economic stakeholders to ensure our solutions evolve with the continent’s needs.
Our one-click AI feature—used for document recognition, classification, and automated validation—is already transforming how economic operators engage with the Single Window. It strengthens data security to ensure integrity and confidentiality, while offering advanced analytics to streamline processes and enhance trade facilitation.
Our ultimate goal is to build a transparent, secure, and future-proof ecosystem that enables efficient international trade across Africa.
How can governments ensure their IT infrastructure is scalable to accommodate future growth in trade volumes?
To ensure scalable IT infrastructure, governments should invest in cloud-based solutions for flexible data management, promote public-private partnerships to enhance technological capabilities, carry out continuous platform upgrades to meet market needs, and train local teams to ensure long-term sustainability.
These pillars are at the heart of Webb Fontaine’s project approach and have been successfully implemented in several countries—demonstrating their value in strengthening digital trade ecosystems.
What are the key features of the revised LPCO (Licence, Permit, Certificate, or Other) that enhance its functionality within the Single Window?
The LPCO (Licence, Permit, Certificate, or Other document) module within the Single Window includes several key features that significantly improve functionality. Document generation is based on configurable parameters, enabling efficient and flexible processing.
Integration with risk management systems allows risk outcomes to be embedded into LPCO processes—enhancing security and targeting. AI-driven features further boost efficiency, including HS (Harmonised System) code suggestions and validation against product descriptions, reducing errors and improving accuracy.
Advanced functions like document self-classification and auto-filling LPCOs using invoice, form, and packing list data automate previously time-consuming processes—saving time and improving precision. A built-in tutorial also helps guide users through the system and adapt quickly to new procedures.
These features collectively improve compliance, efficiency, and user experience within the Single Window framework.
How can successful examples from early adopters of the Single Window be used to encourage wider adoption across Africa?
The success seen in early adopter countries like Côte d’Ivoire is helping to drive continent-wide uptake. Tangible results—such as improved efficiency, cost savings, and shorter customs clearance times—build trust among public and private sector stakeholders.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the implementation of trade facilitation technologies via the Single Window has not only improved import clearance efficiency but also ensured full visibility and traceability throughout the process—from pre-declaration to revenue repatriation to the government. This final step increased from 9.06% in 2013 to 76.4% in 2023, marking a major leap in customs performance.
These examples demonstrate that the Single Window is a powerful catalyst for modernising international trade—encouraging other African countries to invest in these technologies to upgrade their customs and trade management systems.
Originally published in L'economiste Benin, Mali and Togo
Useful resources
🔗 Read our blog: Webb Single Window in Niger
🌍 Learn about Webb Single Window
🌟 Read our Côte d’Ivoire success story
About Webb Fontaine
Established in 2002 and headquartered in Dubai, UAE, Webb Fontaine is a leading technology company specialising in Artificial Intelligence-driven solutions for global trade. With offices spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, the company leverages its extensive expertise to provide governments and communities with innovative solutions that streamline trade processes and enhance efficiency.
Webb Fontaine is renowned for its pioneering technologies that help reduce trade fraud, improve Customs revenue, and expedite clearance times, supporting smoother and more profitable trading ecosystems. The company prides itself on a diverse workforce of over 700 professionals from 41 nationalities, emphasising a culture of excellence, innovation, and integrity.
The firm’s commitment to research and development is unmatched, owning the largest R&D centres in the trade sector, which are pivotal in advancing trade technology and practices. Webb Fontaine’s accolades include numerous international awards and certifications, underscoring its dedication to quality and leadership in trade facilitation.