Togo Advances Digitalization Efforts at International Maritime Organization Meeting
The Republic of Togo showcased its commitment to enhancing maritime efficiency and trade facilitation during the 48th Session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL 48) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), held from April 8th to 12th, 2024. Led by His Excellency Mr. Kokou Edem Tengue, Minister of Maritime Economy, Fisheries, and Coastal Protection, Togo participated in discussions focused on streamlining international maritime traffic and embracing digitalization initiatives.
The Facilitation Committee, which plays a crucial role in promoting the smooth arrival, stay, and departure of ships, persons, and cargo from ports worldwide, emphasized the importance of digital transformation in modernizing maritime operations. With an eye toward enhancing efficiency and sustainability, the committee addressed key aspects of electronic business, including the implementation of the single window concept.
Minister Tengue delivered a significant intervention via video conferencing, highlighting Togo’s efforts in digitalizing the Port of Lomé, particularly through the establishment of a Maritime Single Window. Emphasizing the importance of simplifying trade formalities, Minister Tengue underscored the role of the single window in improving cross-border trade efficiency, a critical aspect given the substantial volume of goods transported by sea annually.
“The objective of the maritime single window is to simplify formalities… thereby making cross-border trade more efficient,” stated Minister Tengue. “For national economies, the single window approach reduces the administrative burden thereby improving competitiveness, and this is what Togo hopes to achieve.”
Minister Tengue also outlined Togo’s ongoing efforts in digitalizing port operations, including the implementation of a comprehensive port information system, total dematerialization, and the integration of fintech services for online payments. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of capacity building and knowledge sharing in advancing maritime digitalization initiatives.
The IMO Secretariat welcomed Togo’s intervention on the Maritime Single Window, signaling a collaborative effort to coordinate capacity building initiatives at the regional level. Minister Tengue extended an invitation to potential partners for collaboration in advancing the implementation of the maritime single window at the Port of Lomé, further underscoring Togo’s commitment to fostering digital innovation and trade facilitation in the maritime sector.
