Raising Awareness of the Project’s Key Outputs and Products in the WCO West and Central Africa Region

•    The WCO Secretariat promoted practical AI tools developed under its Smart Customs Project to support digital transformation by Member administrations, including the WCO West and Central Africa region.
•    The meeting highlighted the need for accessible tools to move from awareness of AI to structured implementation. 
•    The presentation took place during a meeting of the Working Group on IT Development of the WCO West and Central Africa region held in Cameroon. 

At the 9th Meeting of the Working Group on IT Development of the West and Central Africa region, held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, the WCO Secretariat presented key elements of its digitalization work, including outcomes and deliverables under the Smart Customs Project. The session brought together IT experts from Member administrations and focused on supporting practical approaches to the adoption of disruptive technologies, in line with the WCO Strategic Plan 2025-2028.

Practical tools for digital transformation
The Secretariat introduced the Smart Customs Community Portal as a platform providing access to resources, case studies and tools supporting innovation in Customs. The Portal enables Members to explore practical approaches to adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), blockchain, and cloud computing.

Supporting structured adoption of AI
Discussions during the meeting highlighted strong interest in practical tools that can help administrations move from general awareness of AI to more structured needs assessment and planning.
The AI/ML Readiness Self-Assessment Tool was presented as a practical starting point for internal discussions and prioritization. It is not intended as a benchmarking exercise, but rather to support informed decision making and gradual implementation of AI. The tool supports reflection across key areas including strategy, governance, data, technical capacity, human skills, and legal and ethical considerations.

The WCO Smart Customs Project will continue to promote the use of the Smart Customs Community Portal and the AI/ML Readiness Self-Assessment Tool among Members.

Contact: 
For any queries, please contact:  smartcustoms@wcoomd.org