By Omar Bah
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has adopted the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM) as part of its efforts to modernize customs operations and enhance efficiency. Recently, the GRA, in collaboration with the WCO, began intensive training for its customs officers on the PMM.
The PMM, endorsed by the WCO in 2023, evaluates customs performance across four key areas: trade facilitation, revenue collection, enforcement, and organizational development. It uses key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure outcomes and aligns with global standards, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
GRA’s participation in this initiative reflects its commitment to improving customs processes and combating corruption. Through self-assessment and peer reviews facilitated by WCO experts, the PMM provides a structured framework for identifying gaps, ensuring data quality, and fostering evidence-based improvements.
GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe stated that this approach supports GRA’s broader modernization agenda. “By integrating PMM methodologies, GRA aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and operational effectiveness, contributing to fair trade practices and economic growth in The Gambia,” he said.
CG Darboe added that the PMM is designed to help customs administrations worldwide assess their performance and improve their operations. It enables customs authorities to measure and monitor various aspects of their work, focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, and the quality of services provided to international trade and the public.
“The PMM helps customs authorities evaluate their performance against international standards and best practices, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and streamline their processes. The mechanism uses a set of performance indicators, including metrics related to customs clearance times, compliance rates, revenue collection, enforcement activities, and trade facilitation,” he explained.
CG Darboe noted that these indicators provide qualitative and quantitative insights into customs operations. “Customs administrations typically conduct self-assessments using the PMM, which involves answering questions and using data to evaluate their performance.” He mentioned that the self-assessment is usually followed by a review or audit process to verify the results and identify areas for improvement. “Based on the performance measurement results, customs administrations can implement necessary reforms and improvements,” CG Darboe added.
He emphasized that the PMM is aligned with the WCO’s SAFE Framework of Standards and other international conventions, ensuring that customs operations effectively promote trade facilitation, security, and compliance. “The WCO encourages countries to adopt the PMM to measure performance consistently across different regions, thereby promoting global trade efficiency, reducing barriers, and enhancing security.”
CG Darboe affirmed that the WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism is a vital tool for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of customs procedures, ensuring that international trade is conducted smoothly, securely, and in compliance with global standards. He praised the WCO for providing capacity-building programs, technical assistance, and guidance to help customs authorities enhance their operational performance.
