A delegation from Burkina Faso's customs department, led by Director General Yves Kafando, recently visited Shanghai and Shenzhen, China, to explore new technologies and innovations in digital transformation. The mission aimed to identify solutions to modernize Burkina Faso's customs administration and prepare for the next phase of the Smart Douane project. The delegation participated in HUAWEI CONNECT 2026, an international event focused on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and intelligent transformation.
During their visit to Shanghai, the delegation learned about the potential of data centers, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analysis to enhance risk analysis, improve tracking, and accelerate operations. They also discovered how these technologies can inform decision-making and improve overall efficiency. The delegation's experience in China highlighted the importance of interconnecting different links in the customs chain, centralizing information, and supervising operations in real-time.
In Shenzhen, the delegation visited the local customs' automated operation tracking system, which demonstrated the benefits of real-time monitoring and centralized information. They also visited MAXVISION, a company specializing in border, port, and control technologies. The delegation examined solutions for vehicle and goods identification, inspection, automated data collection, and movement tracking, which could enhance the security of goods entering the country.
The delegation met with Huawei officials to discuss interconnecting customs services, digital infrastructure, data security and valuation, and integrating artificial intelligence. They also explored the possibility of extending the Smart Douane project, which will be inaugurated soon in Ouagadougou. The project aims to create a comprehensive system connecting entry points, interior bureaus, surveillance units, and decision centers.
The mission's outcomes will help prepare an extension of the Smart Douane project, enabling Burkina Faso to build a robust digital ecosystem for its customs administration. The goal is to create a system where agents, data, equipment, and systems interact to anticipate risks, secure revenue, facilitate trade, and protect the national territory. The visit also strengthened dialogue and cooperation between Chinese and Burkinabe customs administrations.
The delegation's visit may lead to an agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance International (AAMI) between the customs administrations of Burkina Faso and China. With the upcoming inauguration of Smart Douane in Ouagadougou, a significant step will be taken towards modernizing Burkina Faso's customs administration. The mission in China has laid the groundwork for consolidating cooperation and expanding digital transformation.
The Smart Douane project and potential AAMI agreement demonstrate the commitment of Burkina Faso and China to enhancing cooperation and modernizing customs administration. The mission's outcomes will contribute to improving the performance, security, and sovereignty of Burkina Faso's customs administration. Key aspects of the visit included exploring digital technologies, strengthening cooperation, and preparing for future developments in the Smart Douane project.
Key points
- The delegation explored digital transformation solutions in China to modernize Burkina Faso's customs administration.
- The Smart Douane project aims to create a comprehensive system connecting entry points, interior bureaus, surveillance units, and decision centers.
- The visit may lead to an agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance International (AAMI) between Burkina Faso and China.
