Global provider of solutions for trade facilitation Webb Fontaine and the Niger Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with its partners, have launched the Niger National Single Window (NNSW) platform to bolster foreign trade.

The initiative was launched by Yayé Djibo, representing the office of the President of the Republic of Niger, Colonel Diori Hamani from the General Directorate of Customs and Ousmane Mahaman, Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Niger (CCIN).

The platform is powered by Webb Fontaine’s technology and is designed to facilitate a cashless and paperless trade ecosystem “reducing the time and cost of doing business for Niger traders and empowering them to compete globally.”

A statement released by Niger’s government reads: “The NNSW platform is capable of incorporating multiple processes related to the smooth operation of trade and Customs involving governmental and private organisations. The platform enables Niger traders to electronically connect with multiple governmental and non-governmental agencies involved in international trade to obtain the necessary licences, permits, certificates, and other trade documents required for international trade.”

The development of the NNSW platform started in 2021 and is now operational with its first pre-clearance module.

Samy Zayani, Chief Commercial Officer, Webb Fontaine, said, “We are honoured to be the official technology partner of Niger, working in close collaboration with the Government to implement the Single Window for Trade. Webb Fontaine’s latest technologies will help transform Niger's trade environment, modernising and streamlining all trade processes, while increasing trust amongst stakeholders.”

The platform offers a single point of entry for all import, export, and transit operations in Niger.

Ali Karim Alio, Managing Director of Webb Fontaine Niger, added, “It is Webb Fontaine's goal and mission to assist and train the trade community in using the new NNSW platform, and will soon open an internet centre to further power the adoption of the new platform. With great pride, we will continue to work with the Niger government to improve the country's business climate using cutting-edge trade technology”.

Mahaman said, “The Niger National Single Window is a much-awaited upgrade that will strengthen Niger’s position as a trading partner and also bolster its international trade. The dematerialisation of trade procedures has become even more important in the post-COVID world as the pandemic has highlighted that the supply and logistics chains can bear the brunt of a global crisis and create newer crisis in its wake. It is crucial for Niger to work in tandem with other economies and grow its trade, the development of NNSW platform marks an important milestone for. I am delighted that Niger is joining the global trade movement”.