The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) Monday launched the ASYCUDA WORLD version to upgrade from the ASYCUDA++, and it is a web-based system that can be accessed from anywhere in the world and also works on desktops, laptops, and all smart devices that have a reliable internet connection.
GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, said on Monday at the launching ceremony held in Banjul, that aside from the very many challenges posed by the ASYCUDA++ version it also been an analog system, the ASYCUDA WORLD version is an integrated Customs Management System that is capable of interfacing with other systems especially new technologies.
“This is the reason why so many Customs administrations around the world have transitioned to the ASYCUDA WORLD version,” he said.
According to him, the idea of digitalizing the country’s revenue collection system has been central in GRA’s previous and current corporate strategic plans.
“To achieve this objective, in 2018, the management of the Gambia Revenue Authority prevailed on the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, our line Ministry, to seek funding from our development partners to upgrade from the current ASYCUDA++ version to the more advanced, more flexible and more user-friendly ASYCUDA WORLD version.
“The African Development Bank, true to its purpose, responded to our funding request and agreed to provide the required funding in the tune of about US$1.3million to secure the ASYCUDA WORLD system from UNCTAD,” he disclosed.
Commissioner General Darboe commended the African Development Bank through its country representative, for coming to their aid and for making their dream of transitioning to the ASYCUDA WORLD version a reality, while he further commended UNCTAD and their technical experts for providing the technical support in configuring and setting up the system.
The CG disclosed that the project’s several setbacks and delays were caused by a deadlock in negotiation between the AFDB and UNCTAD, coupled with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, but officials and management at GRA remained in the face of these setbacks and challenges, saying “we are proud to reach the end of the tunnel with the successful launching of the system the timeline prescribed by the project.”
to ensure that the ASYCUDA WORLD system functions without a hitch, on the 8th of December 2021, the Gambia Revenue Authority signed a Fiber-optic internet services agreement with GAMTEL for the provision of high-speed fiber-optic internet services to all GRA offices across the country, totaling twenty(20) offices.
In his launching remarks, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mr. Seedy Keita emphasized that the launching of the ASYCUDA WORLD system is indeed a great milestone in the government’s effort to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the customs clearance process.
Minister Keita, who is also overseeing the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) noted that the system which will replace the current ASYCUDA++ system, will digitalize the entire customs clearance process thus eliminating the need for human intervention.
He added that the implementation of this new system has the potential to enhance administrative efficiency, and improve the quality of international trade data.
“ASYCUDA WORLD system will significantly enhance the ease and speed of doing business in the Gambia, which is essential for us to realize our dream of becoming competitive and a favorable destination for foreign direct investment.
With the introduction of the AFCFTA and its potential to improve intra-Africa trade, the Ministry of Finance aims to position the Gambia to reap the gains envisaged under the AFCFTA,” he stated.
He pointed out that the launching of the ASYCUDA WORLD system is a step in the right direction in the country’s trade facilitation and ease of doing business agenda.
