…Partnership with Bergmans Security aims to digitise customs systems, strengthen trade facilitation and deepen continental economic integration
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has signed a 20-year concession agreement with Bergmans Security Consultant and Supplies Limited to drive customs modernisation across Africa, in a move aimed at accelerating intra-African trade and strengthening economic integration.
The agreement, signed in Abuja, will be executed through Bergmans’ subsidiary, AfriTrade CMP Limited. It is designed to deploy advanced digital technologies to modernise customs administration, improve transparency, facilitate cross-border trade and enhance revenue collection across participating African countries.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wamkele Keabetswe Mene, AfCFTA Secretary-General, said the partnership would help transform customs systems across the continent through technology-driven reforms.
He described the agreement as a major step toward building efficient, transparent and accountable customs administrations capable of supporting Africa’s growing trade ambitions.
“We have a singular ambition, and that is to position customs systems in Africa for digitalisation, to serve Africa’s economy and ensure transparency, accountability and greater contribution to economic growth,” Mene said.
He noted that Nigeria’s customs modernisation experience inspired the continental initiative.
“I had earlier seen what Bergmans Security achieved in Nigeria through customs modernisation, digitisation and investment in advanced systems, and I asked why the same success could not be replicated across other African countries,” he added.
Mene also commended the Nigerian government for championing customs modernisation, describing the country as a leading example of successful digital transformation in customs administration.
He said Bergmans was selected because it is an African company with proven expertise in deploying technology solutions capable of advancing the continent’s economic integration agenda.
“We are committed to replicating the globally celebrated success achieved in Nigeria across Africa and look forward to the seamless implementation of this project for the benefit of all Africans,” he said.
Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman, Bergmans Security Consultant and Supplies Limited, described the agreement as a landmark initiative that would help unlock greater levels of intra-African trade and support the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement.
According to him, the company will provide the financing, technical expertise and global partnerships required to successfully execute the project.
“We understand what is at stake and remain committed to working closely with the AfCFTA Secretariat and customs administrations across the continent to deliver solutions that enhance trade facilitation, create new investment opportunities and build Africa’s capacity for sustainable economic growth,” Ahmadu said.
He added that the project would establish secure, efficient and scalable customs infrastructure powered by modern technology, helping African countries improve border management while reducing bottlenecks to trade.
The Customs Modernisation Project is expected to strengthen the implementation of the AfCFTA by simplifying customs procedures, promoting digital trade platforms and creating a more seamless trading environment across Africa.
