By: Fatou Krubally
At least twenty officers of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) have commenced a four-day intensive training on the World Customs Organization (WCO) Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM).
The training, which began on Monday, March 10, is organized by GRA with support from the WCO and facilitated by two experienced trainers.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe described the WCO PMM as a vital framework designed to enhance customs administrations’ efficiency, effectiveness, and service quality in international trade. He explained that the mechanism allows customs authorities to assess their performance against global best practices, identifying areas that require improvement to streamline operations.
He noted that the system relies on specific performance indicators that measure key areas such as customs clearance times, compliance rates, revenue collection, enforcement activities, and trade facilitation. These indicators, he said, provide both qualitative and quantitative insights into the effectiveness of customs operations.
Darboe further highlighted that the PMM operates through a structured self-assessment process, where customs administrations analyze their performance using data-driven evaluations. These self-assessments are followed by external reviews or audits to validate the findings and ensure that any necessary improvements are identified and implemented.
The Commissioner General emphasized that the training is crucial for GRA officers, as it will enable them to adopt international best practices in customs operations. He added that beyond performance evaluation, the WCO provides capacity-building programs, technical assistance, and guidance to help customs authorities enhance their efficiency and operational standards.
He also stressed that the PMM aligns with the WCO’s SAFE Framework of Standards and other international conventions, ensuring that customs procedures meet global trade facilitation and security requirements. By adopting this mechanism, he said, The Gambia would be better positioned to maintain a structured and efficient customs administration, reducing trade barriers and enhancing security.
The four-day training aims to equip GRA officers with the necessary expertise to apply the WCO PMM framework effectively. As the sessions progress, participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of customs performance measurement, ultimately contributing to improved trade facilitation and regulatory compliance in The Gambia.
