Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Businesses through Customs Training

The ⁢Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) ‌have collaborated‍ to provide training⁣ on customs procedures for import, export, and shipping, including tax procedures, to small‌ and medium-sized businesses and⁢ women-led enterprises.

The two-day training, funded by the⁤ German Federal Foreign Office, focuses ‍on the​ theme “Opportunities and ‌Challenges in Cross-Border⁢ Trade.”

Mr. Atta-kakra‍ Essien, Commissioner of Customs and Indirect Duties, ⁢represented Mr. Philippe⁣ Kokou TCHODIE ​at the opening ceremony, which was attended by notable personalities, including Camilla Gendolla, 1st adviser, head of ‌cooperation at the German embassy in Togo, and Elsie⁢ Lemami, technical attaché of the WCO.

“This event is the culmination of significant collective work done ​at the beginning of 2023, when our country was chosen to be one⁤ of the⁢ 3 beneficiaries of ⁢the project⁣ on security​ in West ‌Africa in its component – gender equality and diversity (PSAO – EGD). Since ⁤then, a number of activities ⁢have been carried out, including the organizational assessment using the tool known as GEOAT,” explained Edo⁢ Siliadin, focal point of gender equality and diversity in practice ​at the‍ OTR.

During the training, participants will ‍gain ⁣insights into the objectives and operation of the‌ ZLECAF and the AFE, as ⁣well as their requirements and challenges for viable commercial‌ exchanges.

The training aims to equip participants with ⁢knowledge ​of ⁢the measures and facilities⁢ offered by the ⁣Free Movement of Goods, the ZLECAF, and the AFE, including access ⁣to markets for⁤ women and young traders.

According to Mr. Atta-Kakra Essien, this meeting is an opportunity to raise⁤ partners’ awareness of essential customs procedures related to import, export, shipping, and tax.

“The opportunity enables partners to be aware of the essential customs procedures⁢ and tax, in ‌order to identify⁣ barriers to access to SMEs, the needs of women’s businesses, and strategies for better access to regional and cross-regional markets,” said ⁤Commissioner Atta-kakra Essien.

The organizational assessment ‍tool called GEOAT supports the implementation of the project, which includes 06 basic principles, the 5th of which relates to⁤ cross-border operations and relations​ with stakeholders.