By Sallieu S. Kanu
State House, Freetown – March 27, 2025: Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh chaired a high-level meeting to advance the Integrated Customs Single Window (ICUS) project. The initiative, designed to simplify trade procedures, brought together government institutions and private sector stakeholders to discuss its financial and operational framework.
The Integrated Customs Single Window is a platform aimed at streamlining trade processes by enabling businesses to submit all import, export, and transit-related documentation through a unified interface. By reducing paperwork and improving efficiency, the system seeks to enhance Sierra Leone’s trade operations.
Key Discussions During the meeting, Raymond AmaGlo, Director of Operations at Ghana Link Network Service Limited, presented an extensive breakdown of the ICUS project. His presentation covered contract pricing, initial capital investment, ten-year operating costs, equipment replacement plans, debt refinancing strategies, and revenue projections. He also proposed investment amortization fees to ensure long-term project sustainability.
The discussion involved representatives from the Ministries of Finance (MoF), Trade and Industry (MTI), and Transport and Aviation (MTA), as well as the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA), and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). These key institutions underscored their commitment to modernizing customs operations, boosting trade efficiency, and fostering economic growth.
Dr. Sengeh emphasized the critical role of a transparent and streamlined customs system in driving national economic development. He highlighted the project’s potential to optimize revenue collection, enhance trade competitiveness, and attract investment opportunities.
The meeting marks a significant step forward in Sierra Leone’s efforts to modernize its trade infrastructure, with the ICUS project at the center of these reforms. Stakeholders expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to transform the country’s customs operations and boost economic growth.