The United Kingdom has committed £950,000 to support the next phase of the “Accelerate Trade Facilitation” programme for the period 2026–2029. This initiative, implemented jointly by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Customs Organization, and UK Customs, aims to strengthen global trade systems and help countries better integrate into international markets. The renewed funding reflects continued efforts to enhance trade efficiency and address emerging global challenges.
Over the past decade, the programme has played a significant role in supporting more than 30 economies by improving the movement of goods and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors. It focuses on simplifying trade procedures, reducing bottlenecks, and building institutional capacity to create more efficient and inclusive trading environments that contribute to economic growth.
A central element of the programme is the strengthening of National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs), which act as coordination platforms for governments and businesses. These committees identify trade barriers, set reform priorities, and drive implementation efforts. Through training initiatives, digital tools, and platforms such as UNCTAD’s e-learning modules and the Reform Tracker, countries are better equipped to monitor progress and align stakeholders around shared goals.
The new phase of the programme will expand capacity-building activities and extend the use of the Reform Tracker tool to additional countries. It will also place a stronger emphasis on digitalization and improved coordination among border agencies, both of which are essential for reducing trade costs and processing times while enhancing transparency and predictability.
Countries already participating in the programme have reported tangible benefits. For example, customs authorities in Madagascar have strengthened their ability to design and implement reform roadmaps, improve coordination, and monitor progress effectively. These outcomes demonstrate the programme’s practical impact in enabling countries to modernize trade systems and enhance competitiveness in the global economy.
