The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has begun talks with industry leaders and key stakeholders at the Jendema Border Crossing Point as it prepares for the launch of the ASYCUDA World system in customs operations.
This initiative aims to enhance collaboration among security agencies, support the transformation of customs operations, facilitate legitimate trade, and boost revenue collection for national development.
At a meeting on 5 October 2026 in Sorogbema Chiefdom, Pujehun District, Munjiru I. I. Kallon, the NRA Customs Manager at Jendema, noted that cooperation among security agencies and community leaders has strengthened since the NRA started operations at the border.
Kallon explained that ASYCUDA World will automate the processing of three customs regimes—Import, Export, and Transit—significantly moving away from manual procedures to a technology-driven approach.
He stressed that this meeting was crucial for informing security agencies and other stakeholders about the ASYCUDA World rollout, seeking their cooperation to ensure smooth implementation at the border.
Kallon also mentioned recent developments at the Jendema Border Crossing Point, including the hiring of six local staff members, plans for further banking services to enhance accountability, and the appointment of the first female staff member, Mrs. Kumba S. Kallon.
He expressed gratitude to the NRA’s senior management for providing a new vehicle and office facilities to support border operations.
Philip Dumbuya, Supervisor at the ASYCUDA Unit, presented on the system, noting that ASYCUDA World enhances customs revenue collection, a vital government funding source. He highlighted that data generated by ASYCUDA gives the government valuable insights into imports, aiding economic planning.
Dumbuya explained that ASYCUDA is used in over 90 countries and that in Sierra Leone, ASYCUDA++ was initially launched at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in 2009, transitioning to ASYCUDA World in 2017.
He added that ASYCUDA World allows for quicker customs clearance, maintains an audit trail for 10 to 15 years, and includes robust security features to protect customs transactions.
The Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation has also conducted security assessments of the system to ensure its resilience and safety.
Dumbuya outlined that the system connects relevant agencies through dedicated modules and automates information routing based on their functions. Implementation requires software installation, role-based training, and basic equipment like printers and scanners.
The ASYCUDA World dashboard enables users to monitor various stages of import and export processes, ensuring that customs procedures are transparent and accountable.
Designed for efficiency, the system offers remote access and operates on backup energy sources to support continuous functionality. Under ASYCUDA World, declarations are made through a self-assessment process, improving data accuracy and using risk-based selections for customs examinations.
The upcoming introduction of ASYCUDA World at the Jendema Border Crossing Point is set to modernise customs operations, enhance efficiency, facilitate legitimate trade, and strengthen revenue collection in Sierra Leone.
