“The progress achieved by Webb Fontaine in Niger perfectly illustrates how well designed technology, rooted in local realities, can profoundly transform a country’s commercial and customs ecosystem”, according to its Managing Director, Ali Karim Alio.
NIAMEY, 9 October (ANP) – The Managing Director of Webb Fontaine Niger, Mr Ali Karim Alio, in an interview on the progress made since the arrival of this multinational company in Niger, expressed his satisfaction with the advances recorded in transforming the country’s commercial and customs sector.
According to him, “the progress achieved by Webb Fontaine in Niger perfectly illustrates how well designed technology, rooted in local realities, can profoundly transform a country’s commercial and customs ecosystem”. He highlighted five major achievements: the digitalisation of administrative procedures, increased operational efficiency, strengthened transparency and anti corruption efforts, higher public revenue, and improved trade facilitation.
Mr Ali Karim Alio explained that “thanks to the establishment of the Single Window for Foreign Trade (GUCE Niger), key trade procedures such as statistical forms, import and export licences, foreign exchange authorisations, and the payment of related fees are now fully digitised. This digital transformation has significantly reduced processing times, costs, and administrative complexity for economic operators”.
Operational efficiency has improved through the centralisation of customs, technical, banking and inspection services (including OCRTIS) on a single platform, resulting in faster processing, real time information sharing and harmonised procedures. “This promotes a smoother commercial flow”, he noted with satisfaction.
Regarding strengthened transparency and anti corruption measures, he highlighted full traceability of operations thanks to the reduction of unnecessary human interactions and subjective interpretation. “Operators no longer need to move from one service to another, which reduces opportunities for illicit practices”, he revealed.
Mr Ali Karim Alio also stated that the GUCE has generated significant financial returns for the state, citing more than 400 million CFA francs already transferred to the Treasury from stamp fees alone. “Other agencies, such as the Nigerien Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (ANRP) and the Chamber of Commerce, also benefit from increased revenue thanks to better transaction traceability”, he added.
On trade facilitation, he explained that “by simplifying procedures and reducing processing times, Niger is becoming more competitive and attractive to foreign investment”. According to him, this is “a strategic step towards improved regional and global integration”.
In addition to these advances, Webb Fontaine Niger has also introduced Artificial Intelligence within its technological ambitions. AI has become a key lever in Webb Fontaine’s digital transformation strategy, with concrete applications already in use, such as AI based customs tariff classification. According to him, “AI algorithms can quickly and reliably assign tariff codes to goods based on text descriptions, historical data and commercial practices. This reduces human error, speeds up clearance, and improves statistical consistency”.
“AI is also used to automatically process supporting documents (invoices, waybills, certificates, etc.) submitted with declarations”, added Mr Ali Karim Alio. “This not only helps detect inconsistencies, but also strengthens the fight against document fraud and improves regulatory compliance”.
Praising how the Niger Single Window is revolutionising commercial procedures, the Managing Director of Webb Fontaine Niger stated that “GUCE Niger is one of the most emblematic success stories in the digitalisation of foreign trade in West Africa. It demonstrates the ability of a country to equip itself with a sovereign, robust and interoperable digital infrastructure”.
To support his comments, Mr Ali Karim Alio described a truly integrated single window, where “all stakeholders in foreign trade – customs, ministries, banks, inspection bodies – are connected to one platform. This interconnection allows synchronised processing of requests and drastically reduces duplication”.
He also spoke about the reduction of delays and costs thanks to the integrated simulator, which allows operators to anticipate applicable duties and taxes based on products and procedures. “This improves predictability and compliance”, he explained, noting that GUCE Niger has also had a tangible economic impact by saving time, reducing costs and optimising commercial flows, which directly improves the competitiveness of local businesses and offers greater visibility to international investors.
According to Mr Ali Karim Alio, this Nigerien approach to trade facilitation can provide “an inspiring reference framework for other countries on the continent”, because it “demonstrates that digitalisation, when well designed and well executed, can structurally transform the trade environment”.
It offers tailor made solutions for a landlocked country like Niger. “Webb Fontaine’s modules have been adapted to address the specific logistical challenges of a country without direct access to the sea, a relevant case for several Sahelian states”.
Furthermore, the Managing Director emphasised that “the success of the GUCE relies on an inclusive model that brings together all stakeholders – public administrations, the private sector, and inspection bodies – within a framework of transparency, accountability and mutual trust”, demonstrating the importance of investing in technology.
“The adaptability of the platform is also remarkable”, he noted, explaining that, in less than 48 hours, a new module was integrated to manage the issuance of cement import licences for 42.5 grade cement, at the request of the Ministry of Trade.
Finally, Mr Ali Karim Alio stressed the potential of AI in addressing specific challenges, explaining that “the introduction of AI modules in tariff classification or document recognition provides a targeted response to defined problems, delivering gains in efficiency, compliance and security”.
He called on the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to seize this unique opportunity to build on this model by developing regional synergies, strengthening digital interconnection and accelerating the modernisation of cross border logistics chains.
Webb Fontaine, it should be noted, is a multinational based in Dubai with a presence in around twenty countries worldwide. It specialises in trade facilitation by providing innovative solutions for import export procedures. It operates in Niger through the GUCE Niger platform. There, it has deployed an advanced version of LPCO 2 (Licences, Permits, Certificates and Others) technology to improve the efficiency and accessibility of 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 licences, permits and certificates.
LPCO 2 not only delivers advanced functionality, but also offers a seamless and intuitive experience for users managing licences, permits and certificates.
À propos de Webb Fontaine
Founded in 2002 and based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Webb Fontaine is a leading technology company specialising in AI powered global trade solutions. With offices in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, the company uses its expertise to deliver innovative solutions that simplify trade processes and enhance efficiency for governments and communities.
Webb Fontaine is recognised for its cutting edge technologies that help reduce commercial fraud, increase customs revenue and accelerate clearance times, contributing to smoother and more profitable trade ecosystems. The company is proud to have a diverse team of more than 700 professionals from 41 nationalities, promoting a culture of excellence, innovation and integrity.
Webb Fontaine’s commitment to research and development is unmatched, with the largest R&D centres in the trade sector playing a key role in the evolution of trade technologies and practices. The company has received numerous international awards and certifications, demonstrating its commitment to quality and its leadership in trade facilitation.
