Burkina Faso Customs Overhauls Operations: New Truck Park & 24/7 Service to Unlock Trade
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – In a move poised to significantly impact regional trade, Burkina Faso’s Customs Directorate has launched a series of initiatives designed to alleviate congestion and streamline processes for road carriers. The centerpiece of this effort is a newly established 20-hectare parking site in Koubri, along National Route 5, and a commitment to operating Customs offices seven days a week. This is breaking news for businesses relying on efficient transport through Burkina Faso, and a clear signal of the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth.
Addressing a Growing Bottleneck
The need for this overhaul became increasingly apparent following the implementation of UEMOA regulation 14 concerning axle load limits. While intended to improve road safety, the regulation inadvertently increased the number of trucks required to transport the same volume of goods. Divisional Customs Inspector Yves Kafando explained that trucks previously carrying 100-200 tonnes now require 3-4 vehicles, leading to a surge in traffic at the Ouaga-inter Customs office. This resulted in trucks parking along the capital’s bypass road, creating inconvenience for hauliers and potential logistical nightmares.
A Palliative Solution & A Vision for the Future
The Koubri parking site is presented as an immediate solution, currently accommodating over 300 trucks and clearing the bypass. “On site, we have more than 300 trucks. On the bypass, everything is clear and we are happy that the transporters have arrived in town,” stated Inspector Kafando. But this isn’t just a temporary fix. Burkina Faso is looking ahead with plans for a 200-hectare dry port in Tanghin-Dassouri, developed in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. This long-term project promises to eliminate parking issues altogether and establish Burkina Faso as a key logistics hub in the region.
Beyond Parking: 24/7 Customs Operations
The extended operating hours – now including Saturdays and Sundays – are equally crucial. This move directly addresses a major pain point for truckers and importers. “From now on, Customs offices open their doors 7 days a week. We will work on Saturday and Sunday to provide a solution to this bottleneck observed,” Kafando assured. However, he also emphasized the importance of collaboration. “If there is a malfunction in one link of the system it will be a blow to the procedure,” he warned, urging declarants to proactively submit documentation to maximize the efficiency of the new system.
Industry Welcomes the Changes
The response from the trucking industry has been overwhelmingly positive. Doussa Dramane Yamindi, Permanent Secretary of the Union of Truck Drivers of Burkina, expressed relief and gratitude. “The fact of parking on the bypass road did not facilitate the speed of our actions. This site will allow us to diligently complete our formalities and rest. Fears of insecurity and health problems have found a favorable response,” he said. This sentiment underscores the real-world impact of these changes on the livelihoods of those directly involved in cross-border trade.
What This Means for Regional Trade & Logistics
Burkina Faso’s proactive approach to addressing these logistical challenges sets a positive precedent for other landlocked countries in West Africa. Efficient customs procedures are vital for attracting investment and facilitating economic integration. The combination of improved infrastructure, extended operating hours, and a commitment to long-term planning positions Burkina Faso for increased trade volume and a stronger role in the regional economy. This is a story to watch for anyone involved in African trade, logistics, or investment. For businesses seeking to expand into or through Burkina Faso, these developments represent a significant opportunity to streamline operations and reduce costs. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this evolving story and its impact on the broader economic landscape.
