Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Ltd, a prominent Nigerian security solutions and public policy advisory firm, has secured a 20-year, $3.1 billion agreement with the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat to finance and deploy a continent-wide customs modernization platform, marking one of Africa’s largest trade technology initiatives.

The project will introduce a unified digital customs system spanning 50 African countries, replacing fragmented manual processes with standardized procedures, electronic documentation and real-time cargo tracking. The initiative is expected to strengthen the implementation of the AfCFTA, the world’s largest free trade area by participating countries.

Digital platform to support Africa’s trade ambitions

The modernization program is intended to help AfCFTA achieve its goal of doubling intra-African trade by 2035 by simplifying customs clearance, improving data collection and enabling seamless movement of goods across borders.

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene said inefficient manual customs systems continue to fuel corruption, under-invoicing, over-invoicing and significant revenue losses across the continent.

He noted that 50 African Union member states have ratified the agreement, while intra-African trade reached $220 billion in 2024, representing a 12.5% increase from the previous year.

Mene added that lessons from Nigeria’s customs modernization efforts demonstrated the benefits of digital transformation, with customs revenue increasing by 90.4% following technology-driven reforms.

Bergmans to deploy project through AfriTrade CMP

Bergmans said implementation will be carried out through its subsidiary, AfriTrade CMP Ltd, which will oversee funding, technology deployment and long-term operations of the customs platform.

Led by Chairman Saleh Ahmadu, Bergmans has built its reputation in strategic security infrastructure, cybersecurity, communications systems and public policy advisory services. The company also provides solutions for intelligence agencies, military institutions and other public-sector organizations requiring secure digital infrastructure.

The AfCFTA represents a market of approximately 1.4 billion people with a combined gross domestic product of $3.4 trillion, making it one of the world’s most significant economic integration initiatives.

The customs modernization project is expected to strengthen trade facilitation, improve government revenue collection and create a more predictable trading environment for businesses operating across Africa.