Since 2016, the Beninese government has aimed to make Benin the digital services hub of West Africa. On July 25, Webb Fontaine, a leading provider of advanced and innovative solutions to serve government and customs based in Dubai, announced that Benin has opted for its Customs Webb solution as its new customs system. Based on AI, it will replace Sydonia World, the old customs IT system.

Benin’s digital transformation

To achieve its goal of becoming West Africa’s digital services platform for accelerated growth and social inclusion, Benin has created various structures such as the Agence pour le Développement du Numérique (ADN), for the implementation of its key projects in the digital sector, and the Agence des Services et Systèmes d’Information (ASSI), for the operational implementation of programs and projects within the framework of Benin’s secure information services and systems development strategies. It has also created the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI Benin), which oversees the security of Benin’s infrastructure and cyberspace.

Last June, he announced the creation of the Agency of Information Systems and Digital (ASIN), the result of the merger of these three structures with the Beninese Agency of Universal Service of Electronic Communications and Post (ABSUCEP).

Digital transformation of public services

Benin has set up the National Public Services Portal, a platform where Beninese citizens can apply for passports, birth certificates and criminal records, among other things.

With ambitions to grow and become one of the most technologically advanced business environments in the region, it turned to Webb Fontaine, who had helped it set up the Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur, an electronic goods tracking platform in 2018.

A modern and efficient customs system

The Customs Webb solution was therefore chosen by Benin as its new customs system, replacing ASYCUDA World, developed in Geneva by UNCTAD.

Operating modern and efficient customs systems is essential for trade. The Beninese government has chosen to move towards a fully integrated approach to trade, interconnecting all major trade platforms such as the Single Window, the Community Port System, the Electronic Cargo Tracking solution as well as the Customs system via Customs Webb.

Alain Hinkati, Director General of Benin Customs, states:

“Customs Webb, Webb Fontaine’s artificial intelligence-based customs system, has been chosen by Benin to complete the customs modernization effort and optimize the trade environment. Webb Fontaine’s business expertise in providing cutting-edge technology and digital solutions is a guarantee of success. With this new system, the government’s desire to make Benin an exemplary platform for the simplification and transparency of customs clearance procedures takes a decisive turn. Within the framework of a fruitful partnership with the entire industrial, commercial and logistical community, Customs is committed to supporting all economic actors.

Samy Zayani, Commercial Director Webb Fontaine, concludes:

“We are honored to have been selected by Benin Customs for such an important project. The longevity of our partnership is a true testament to Benin’s commitment to digitization and transformation of the trade environment. Customs Webb is a powerful system that uses AI technology to digitize the entire customs clearance process. The implementation of Customs Webb will be a huge step forward in Benin’s mission, and the positive impacts will be felt by the entire trade community.”

Translated from Le Bénin adopte Custom Webb, une solution basée sur l’IA, pour son système douanier