ECOWAS strengthens intra-regional trade with the launch of sigmat between Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through its Directorate of Customs Union and Taxation, has officially launched the deployment of the Interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit (SIGMAT) between Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Liberia. The launch ceremony took place on October 31, 2025, in Monrovia, Liberia.

As part of ongoing transit reforms aimed at improving the cross-border movement of goods within the ECOWAS region, the Community first introduced SIGMAT in Abidjan in 2019. The system enables the exchange of electronic transit messages between countries involved in transit operations based on the interconnectivity of their national customs systems, thereby securing customs revenue, reducing cargo diversion, and fostering confidence in transit trade.

In his welcome statement, Mr. Saa Saamoi, Commissioner of Customs at the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), described the deployment of SIGMAT as a significant milestone for Liberia and the wider ECOWAS region. He noted that by joining Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire in adopting the digital platform, Liberia is advancing efforts to modernize and harmonize transit systems, enhance transparency, reduce clearance times, and strengthen border management and trade security.

“As we launch SIGMAT today, let us reaffirm our dedication to sustaining the platform, ensuring that it delivers on its promise of efficiency, transparency, and reliability. Together, we can build a future where goods move freely, securely, and swiftly across our borders—fostering growth and prosperity for our people,” he said.

Colonel Major Brice Bouagba, Inspector General of Customs, representing the Director General of Customs of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, commended ECOWAS for the SIGMAT initiative, noting that it will significantly assist customs administrations to reduce transit times, and harmonize the flow of information across borders. He emphasized that such innovations strengthen regional cooperation and contribute to the seamless movement of goods within the ECOWAS region.

In his remarks, Mr. Mohammed Lamine Traoré, Technical Adviser to the Director General of Customs of the Republic of Guinea, who represented the Director General, highlighted that the deployment of SIGMAT will greatly simplify transit procedures across the region. He explained that by streamlining the exchange of information and reducing transaction costs at border crossings, the system will enhance trade efficiency and generate positive impacts on economic growth across the ECOWAS region.

On his part, Hon. Wilmot A. Reeves, Deputy Minister for Trade of the Republic of Liberia, stated that the introduction of the interconnected customs system aligns perfectly with Liberia’s economic transformation agenda. He commended ECOWAS for creating a platform that digitally connects Member States to facilitate trade, enhance regional cooperation, and strengthen the foundations for sustainable economic growth across West Africa.

Delivering the opening speech on behalf of Dr. Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, H.E. Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, emphasized that the deployment of SIGMAT between Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Liberia marks a major milestone in ECOWAS’ efforts to modernize and secure regional trade.

“The deployment of SIGMAT between Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia today is a testament to the fact that ECOWAS is concerned about all trade corridors in the region and will continue to support all Member States in their efforts to achieve full connectivity and enhance the fluidity of cross-border trade along transit corridors in the Community,” she said.

Developed as a home-grown digital solution with support of partners including, the European Union, German Development Cooperation, the World Bank, World Customs Organization and UNCTAD, SIGMAT reinforces ECOWAS commitment to enhancing regional integration and trade facilitation through the seamless digital interconnection of Member States’ customs systems. The system stands as a key pillar in the Region’s drive toward a more efficient, transparent, and competitive trading environment for West Africa.