The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is continuing to expand its cooperation through new collaborative mechanisms. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are working in particular with Togo to harmonize their customs systems, with the aim of facilitating trade among the four countries.
An ad hoc meeting bringing together the main heads of customs administrations is currently being held in Ouagadougou from October 12 to 14.
The discussions focus on ways to make procedures more efficient, more transparent, and better adapted to the realities of regional trade.
For the participating countries, modern customs must go beyond the simple role of border control. It must become a tool for facilitating trade, securing public revenue, and creating economic opportunities for operators and populations.
The harmonization of customs practices should help reduce obstacles linked to differences in regulations and procedures among states. This approach aims to accelerate the movement of goods, lower trade costs, and strengthen the attractiveness of regional economic corridors.
At the end of the proceedings, experts will be required to draw up various reference documents. These templates will serve to prepare a draft decision establishing a preferential tariff regime between the AES and Togo, an important step toward deeper trade integration.
This initiative reflects the four countries’ determination to build more structured economic cooperation.
