Building a Smarter Customs Community: WCO Hosts Multi-Regional Workshop on Disruptive Technologies in Nairobi, Kenya

From 15 to 19 September 2025, as part of its #SmartCustoms Project, the WCO organized a Multi-Regional Workshop on Disruptive Technologies in Nairobi, Kenya. With financial support from the Customs Cooperation Fund of China, the event gathered 31 participants from 24 English-speaking Members across the East and Southern Africa (ESA), West and Central Africa (WCA) and North of Africa, Near and Middle East (MENA) regions, together with representatives of China Customs. The workshop provided a platform to exchange experiences and explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) in transforming Customs operations.

Discussions underlined opportunities such as improved efficiency, transparency and risk management, alongside challenges including infrastructure gaps, cybersecurity risks, system interoperability and the need to attract and retain IT talent. Participants also reflected on the connection between disruptive technologies and the WCO Smart Customs Project.  

A site visit to the Kenya Revenue Authority’s ISCAN and Command Centre offered practical insights into innovative practices, including electronic truck seal monitoring and AI-powered container image analysis.

The workshop concluded with strong calls for WCO technical assistance and capacity building, particularly in AI. It also marked the expansion of the Smart Customs community, welcoming Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe. Today, the Smart Customs Community Portal connects 238 National Contact Points from 145 Members, serving as a global hub for technology collaboration. The WCO warmly thanks the Kenya Revenue Authority for its hospitality, China Customs for its financial support, and all participants for their valuable contributions.