On 30 September 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) advised that, as part of its Fragile Border Action Plan endorsed by the WCO Council in June 2023, the second Working Group (WG2) under its and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Master Trainer Programme (MTP) on Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) had been held in Accra, Ghana, from 01 to 05 September 2025. The workshop brought together 15 participants from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo to strengthen regional capacity in GEOINT, supporting border security and trade facilitation.
Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) is produced using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS is a technology designed to create, manage, analyse, and visualise various types of data by linking information to specific locations on a map. By combining spatial data (where things are) with descriptive details (what those places are like), GIS provides a strong basis for mapping and analysis. The advantages of GIS include improved mapping and visualisation, spatial analysis, efficient data management, and enhanced communication - all of which are valuable for Customs enforcement operations.
The event was inaugurated by the Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), who underscored the strategic role of GEOINT in combating smuggling and securing national borders. The chief representative of the JICA Ghana office also delivered opening remarks, highlighting the programme’s alignment with the outcomes of the Ninth (9th) Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in August 2025 in Japan, as well as with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The commissioner highlighted that security was fundamental to economic development.
Over the five (5) days, participants took part in Train-the-Trainer (TTT) sessions designed to enhance their ability to design impactful training programmes, set clear learning objectives, adapt to diverse learning styles, and evaluate effectiveness. These sessions aimed to equip them with skills to become future GEOINT trainers within their administrations.
In parallel, participants deepened their technical expertise in GEOINT. The agenda included QGIS troubleshooting, vector risk analysis, digital elevation models (DEM), geolocation techniques, flow mapping, and viewshed analysis. These hands-on sessions enabled participants to apply advanced geospatial tools to real-world Customs scenarios, enhancing the participants’ operational capabilities. They also advanced the development of GEOINT training materials, which, once finalised, will become the first-ever Customs-focused GEOINT training resource.
At the conclusion of WG2, participants updated their work plan to achieve the objectives of the MTP better. They expressed their gratitude to the WCO and JICA for the opportunity, as well as to the experts for their dedication and sharing of knowledge.
The WCO and JICA acknowledged the substantial ownership and commitment demonstrated by participants. They reaffirmed their support for African Customs administrations in building sustainable GEOINT capacity.
