Border and documentary compliance are critical to the efficiency of trade-related supply chains. Perhaps the greatest success of the last two strategic periods (2010-2023) has been the growing application of technological advancements in the digital sector. By investing in digital trade infrastructure and processes, countries can reduce the inconveniences of manual interactions and ensure continuity of trade flows. In 2017, it took an average of 251 hours (over 10 days) to complete paperwork for importing goods into sub-Saharan Africa, compared to just 9 hours in OECD countries (World Bank, Doing Business Report 2017). Such inefficiency is largely due to manual, paper-based processes, high transaction costs, multiple suppliers/agencies along the supply chain, minimal transparency, diminished trust and predictability, and approval delays.

A partnership-driven approach with the private and public sector has propelled TMA’s digital trade agenda, which, up to December 2024, has facilitated over 100 digital portals. These include integrated customs systems, electronic cargo tracking systems, single window information for trade portals, national single windows, and other trading systems targeting specific high productivity value chains such as tea and coffee, thus improving resilience and efficiency. Electronic application in the movement of goods across borders saves time, reduces costs for traders and improves revenue collection.

TMA is also harnessing innovations in Artificial Intelligence and open ledger technology, to provide a secure and transparent platform for recording and tracking trade-related transactions.