Africa stands at a defining moment - a time when technology, innovation and visionary leadership are rewriting the rules of trade and economic cooperation.
Alioune Ciss, Chief Executive Officer
Which specific regulatory disparities currently hamper seamless intra-African trade?
Several regulatory disparities hinder seamless intra-African trade. First, the limited free movement of people remains a major obstacle, with restrictive transport and aviation regulations complicating cross-border mobility. While regions like ECOWAS have made progress through protocols supporting free movement, this is not the case continent-wide.
Poor infrastructure and inconsistent customs procedures and unharmonized national standards also pose challenges. A practical example is transporting goods by truck from Nigeria to Niger — without mutual recognition or a common transit guarantee, the journey becomes unnecessarily complicated. In addition, the absence of a harmonized framework for cross-border payments and forex convertibility, particularly between countries using different currencies (e.g., Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire), creates further friction.
These barriers collectively increase trade costs, reduce efficiency, and limit the effectiveness of AfCFTA.
What can African governments take to accelerate regulatory harmonization across borders?
African governments can accelerate regulatory harmonization by taking coordinated action.
First, African governments need to ensure the full implementation of existing policies, many of which already outline frameworks for trade facilitation, digitalization, and customs alignment. We do have a policy that defines it, but we need to apply them.
Digitalization of the trade process plays an irreplaceable role. For example, governments should fast-track the adoption of national and regional Single Window systems and support the operationalization of a Continental Transit Guarantee Scheme. Additionally, governments must invest in regional testing and conformity assessment centres to ensure mutual recognition of standards. Addressing issues such as forex convertibility is also pivotal.
How can public private partnerships drive this?
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a transformative role in accelerating regulatory harmonization. By combining the government’s policy direction, and alignment with global standards such as those from the WCO with the private sector’s innovation, technical expertise, and financing capacity, PPPs become powerful engines for implementing real change.
Governments can leverage PPPs to establish interoperable trade systems—such as Single Window platforms, Port Community Systems, and e-payment solutions—that simplify and standardize cross-border procedures. These partnerships are also essential in developing both physical and digital infrastructure, including roads, railways, customs systems, and logistics corridors that connect countries.
In the area of customs modernization and trade digitization, PPPs have already proven effective. For example, in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, private sector players have significantly contributed to mobile money and fintech platforms that facilitate the smooth movement of goods across borders. Such innovations not only improve efficiency but also address practical challenges like currency convertibility and payment systems.
PPPs also offer governments valuable feedback on regulatory bottlenecks and provide a mechanism for more adaptive and responsive policymaking. When structured with clear governance, transparency, and mutual accountability, PPPs evolve from simple service contracts into collaborative frameworks that drive long-term, sustainable integration across the continent.
In what ways can technology enhance and streamline regulatory systems, and how is your solution influencing regulatory transformation in Africa?
Technology is a key enabler in streamlining regulatory systems. At Webb Fontaine, our core expertise lies in the digitization of trade processes. One of our primary contributions has been the implementation of national Single Window systems. These platforms simplify procedures, improve transparency, and accelerate cargo clearance.
However, while several countries have successfully adopted national Single Window systems, the next step is regional integration. Connecting, for example, the Single Window platforms of Ghana and Nigeria could significantly improve cross-border trade efficiency and regulatory harmonization. This remains an untapped opportunity with high potential for impact.
Another key area is risk management. Effective trade facilitation requires the ability to identify risks. At Webb Fontaine, we are integrating advanced AI-driven risk management tools that help customs authorities automatically detect anomalies and focus inspections where they matter most. This not only enhances border security but also speeds up the processing of low-risk goods.
In addition, we are modernizing outdated customs management systems across the continent. Many African countries still rely on legacy platforms that are no longer fit for purpose. Upgrading these systems introduces more efficient workflows, promotes real-time data exchange, and enables faster movement of goods.
Our mission goes beyond simply automating existing processes. We aim to fundamentally transform how trade is conducted. With a presence in 22 countries, our solutions are contributing significantly to regulatory transformation, not only within customs but across the broader trade ecosystem.
What lessons can be drawn from countries that have advanced in regulatory harmonization?
There are valuable lessons Africa can draw from regions that have made significant progress in regulatory harmonization. The European Union offers a strong example, having implemented a common customs code, harmonized product standards, and robust mutual recognition frameworks across member states. In Asia, regional collaboration in sectors like electronics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals has also been driven by mutual recognition arrangements that enable smooth movement of goods. These sector-specific approaches show that harmonization can be built progressively, based on shared industry priorities.
On the continent, regional economic communities like ECOWAS have made notable strides. ECOWAS and the East African community, for instance, has made a significant progress in the free movement of people, while the EAC has developed a Single Customs Territory involving Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan-an initiative that has delivered measurable results.
The golden rule is very simple, we have to start small, build trust, digitalize the processes and scale up.
What is your vision of a digitally harmonized African trade environment?
Basically, at Webb Fontaine, our vision is to close the gaps that we have talked about – digitization, harmonisation, cross border payment. This is where our solutions bring value to the continent. Our national Single Window solutions connect customs, ports, and trade agencies on a single digital platform enhanced by AI for faster, safer clearance. What is equally important is capacity building. We invest heavily in capacity building, training customs officers, regulatory agencies, people from the private sector.
I hold an optimistic vision. I envision a continent without barriers, where seamless digital integration drives free movement of goods. I believe we are steadily moving toward that future, and I remain hopeful.
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Published on African Leadership Magazine on October 23, 2025.
