The United Kingdom has announced an additional $1 million in funding to extend the successful “Accelerate Trade Facilitation” program for another year, continuing its support for global trade reform and international development.
Launched in 2015, the program is a collaborative initiative between UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom, and the World Customs Organization (WCO). Its primary aim is to simplify and streamline the movement of goods across borders while fostering stronger public-private partnerships. The program has been a cornerstone in advancing the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which seeks to enhance global trade efficiency.
To date, the program has positively impacted 27 countries across the globe, including 15 in Africa, 3 in Asia, and 9 in Latin America and the Caribbean. The latest extension will see continued support through 2026, with the inclusion of two additional countries.
“In a time of increasing global uncertainty, where aid financing becomes more unpredictable and protectionist trade measures threaten development, long-term commitment from donors – such as UK Customs – is more crucial than ever,” said Angel Gonzalez Sanz, acting director of Technology and Logistics at UNCTAD. “This steadfast support allows UNCTAD to remain a reliable partner for countries implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.”
Global Impact
What began as a modest initiative in 2015 with an annual contribution of $125,000, aimed at supporting four African countries, has evolved over the past decade into a comprehensive, multi-million-dollar program. To date, the UK’s financial backing has exceeded $6 million, helping to address emerging challenges and coordinate trade facilitation reforms worldwide, including aiding in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
By focusing on strengthening national trade facilitation committees (NTFCs), the program provides a range of digital tools and educational resources to drive reform efforts. Through these efforts, UNCTAD has trained over 3,300 government officials and trade professionals, empowering NTFCs to better monitor and oversee the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.
“We’re excited to continue supporting countries in their efforts to implement the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement and in empowering NTFCs as key coordinators in this process,” said Megan Shaw, Head of International Customs and Border Engagement at HMRC.
Tools for Reform
A key feature of the program is the Reform Tracker, an innovative web-based project management and monitoring tool designed to enhance trade facilitation reforms. This tool improves coordination between various government agencies and facilitates collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure a unified approach to trade reforms.
In addition to the Reform Tracker, UNCTAD provides advisory services and intensive executive training sessions for NTFC secretariats and chairpersons, further enhancing their ability to meet TFA requirements and ensuring better alignment with global trade standards.
The program also encourages knowledge exchange through partnerships with WCO and UK experts, promoting the sharing of best practices and expertise across borders. This knowledge-sharing framework has been pivotal in supporting countries to implement TFA provisions more effectively.
Partner Countries
For example, Namibia has seen significant benefits from the program. “Namibia has greatly benefited from the technical support provided by the ‘Accelerate Trade Facilitation’ program,” said Commissioner Sam Shivute of the Namibia Revenue Agency. “UNCTAD has helped empower our national trade facilitation committee, while WCO’s hands-on capacity-building activities, such as coordinated border management and time release studies, have led to tangible improvements.”
As the program continues to expand its reach and impact, it remains a vital force in modernizing trade systems worldwide, improving border efficiency, and enhancing cooperation among international stakeholders. With this new funding, the United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to fostering global trade development and driving positive change in the world’s most dynamic and interconnected sectors.
