The Rwanda Electronic Single Window
The electronic single window is an approach that was pioneered by Singapore in the 1980s to streamline and improve customs operations and the actions of other border control entities responsible for delays in the release of.
- Period
- 2012 - 2016
- Countries
- Rwanda
- Participants
- Cross-Border Traders Boat operators Businesses in the Western Province
- Implementing partners
- Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Project rationale
The electronic single window is an approach that was pioneered by Singapore in the 1980s to streamline and improve customs operations and the actions of other border control entities responsible for delays in the release of goods.
It is designed as a common electronic platform that allows for the submission of a single trade declaration containing all the information required by the various agencies responsible for controlling trade in and out of Rwanda, and solicit a rapid response from them to ensure faster cargo release. This is a great improvement from the old system where importers and exporters were required to submit a variety of documents to multiple government agencies at different times.
The Rwanda Development Board initiated efforts in 2005 towards the creation of the ReSW, culminating in a feasibility study by the World Bank in 2007.
After initial plans to invite a private service provider to implement the system, the Rwandan Government took the decision to implement the project through the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was contracted in 2011 as the solution provider using ASYCUDA World as the central platform for the ReSW.
Implementation strategy
Increased trade results in increased economic growth which contributes to poverty reduction. The Rwanda Electronic Single Window (ReSW) falls under TMEA’s Strategic Objective (S0) 2; ‘Enhanced Trade Environment, that ‘seeks to provide support to activities that simplify business processes for traders’. This is in line with TMEA’s goal of increased prosperity through growth in trade for East Africa and with the TMEA Rwanda Country Programme’s main goal of ‘greater regional integration and trade competitiveness in Rwanda’.
Expected outcomes
- Streamlining import and export processes through establishment of a single window.
- Simplify cross-border trade to enhance competitiveness through improvements to trade logistics systems and processes.
- Provide real-time monitoring of consignments by importing community and government institutions.
- Reduce cost of doing business, strengthen transparency and reduce incidences of corruption.
- Computerize international trade regulatory requirements.
