On 12 March 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) announced that as the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, the United Kingdom (UK) has announced the allocation of approximately €1 million in additional funding for the WCO to extend the programme until March 2026.
The programme, which was launched in 2015, is a partnership between the WCO, the UK’s His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It aims to ease the cross-border movement of goods and enhance public-private collaboration through the implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
Over the years, the programme has evolved in both scope and geographical focus, and the WCO is currently supporting 11 countries in Africa and Asia in their Customs reform agendas. The extension to the programme reflects its success in assisting members in implementing international standards and best practices to enhance their business environment. Welcoming the news, the WCO Secretary General noted that, “The Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme has demonstrated what can be accomplished through partnerships that are forged with clear purpose. The programme’s comprehensive approach, supporting Customs reforms at the technical level while enhancing Customs integrity and organisational capability, has positively impacted a number of WCO members.”
Several member administrations responded to the news and welcomed the programme’s extension. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Comptroller-General of Customs stated that, “By participating in the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, the NCS has been able to achieve great results in a relatively short period of time. We have already enhanced our PCA functions and launched our AEO programme, with direct time and cost reductions for traders. Looking ahead, thanks to the programme’s support, we will be able to continuously measure our progress by carrying out Time Release Studies – further reducing clearance times and facilitating smoother trade flows.”
His message of appreciation was echoed by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Commissioner: “Namibia greatly benefited from the synergy of the partnership with UNCTAD and the WCO. UNCTAD helped to empower the National Committee on Trade Facilitation, while the WCO’s hands-on capacity building on coordinated border management and Time Release Studies led to tangible results. We could not have done it without the WCO, and NamRA will show the same level of determination in boosting its AEO programme.”
The HMRC Head of International Customs and Border Engagement, said: “The UK is a proud member of the WCO and the global Customs family. We recognise the value of efficient Customs in promoting growth and prosperity. We are delighted to continue supporting our partners around the world in modernising Customs and implementing the WTO TFA.” She added: “The WCO’s unique Customs-to-Customs expertise and ability to draw from a network of experts within the global Customs community, including from HMRC and UK Border Force, will continue to play a vital role in this unique collaboration.”
For more information on the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, please visit: