At the IMO–World Bank Group Workshop on Maritime Single Window and Port Community Systems in Accra, Senior Trade Specialist Satya Prasad urged West African governments to strengthen digital integration across their ports and logistics systems. He noted that while several ports have digitised individual processes, inefficiencies persist because the systems are not adequately linked.
Prasad explained that a Maritime Single Window offers a coordinated digital platform for processing information on ships’ arrival, stay and departure, while a Port Community System facilitates broader information exchange among the port and logistics community. He warned that successful implementation requires effective governance, 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," Prasad said. He urged countries to focus on specific trade and logistics challenges rather than simply acquiring new technologies.
Private‑sector participation was highlighted as essential, with shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders and transport operators playing key roles. Improved interoperability could strengthen trade connectivity across West Africa and simplify access to regional and international markets.
Prasad summed up, "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."
