The World Bank Group has urged West African countries to strengthen digital integration across their ports and logistics systems to improve trade efficiency and regional competitiveness.
The call comes amid efforts by countries to introduce digital technologies in the maritime sector, with the aim of improving coordination among institutions, processes and systems.
Speaking at the IMO–World Bank Group Workshop on Maritime Single Window and Port Community Systems in Accra, Senior Trade Specialist at the World Bank Group, Satya Prasad, said several ports had digitised individual processes but continued to face inefficiencies because their systems were not adequately integrated.
He said the lack of coordination among port authorities, customs agencies, shipping lines and other stakeholders often undermined the benefits of digitalisation.
Mr Prasad explained that a Maritime Single Window provides a coordinated digital platform for processing information on ships’ arrival, stay and departure, while a Port Community System facilitates information exchange among the wider port and logistics community.
He stressed, however, that the successful implementation of both systems required effective governance, appropriate legal frameworks, common data standards and clearly defined institutional responsibilities.
“It is relatively easy to procure software. It is much harder to get institutions to agree on what information should be exchanged, who owns that information, what standards should be used, how systems should talk to one another, and who will govern the platform once it becomes operational,” he said.
He urged countries to focus on the specific trade and logistics challenges they seek to address rather than prioritising the acquisition of new technologies.
Mr Prasad also underscored the importance of private-sector participation, noting that shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders and transport operators were essential to the successful implementation of digital port systems.
He said improved interoperability among ports and logistics systems could strengthen trade connectivity across West Africa and make it easier for businesses to access regional and international markets.
According to him, the ultimate goal of maritime digitalisation should be to simplify trade processes, improve port efficiency, strengthen government controls and enhance the competitiveness of maritime transport.
“Digital transformation is not achieved when we introduce a new system. It is achieved when institutions, processes, people and systems begin to work together differently,” he said.
