News
São Tomé and Príncipe Leverages ASYCUDA to Enhance Customs Efficiency and Compliance
SÃO TOMÉ, June 2025 – As part of its broader efforts to strengthen public finances and modernize trade procedures, the Customs Directorate of São Tomé and Príncipe has successfully completed the migration to ASYCUDAWorld version 4.4 (AW 4.4) which went live on 1 May 2025. The upgrade, implemented in close collaboration with ASYCUDA, is expected to significantly improve tax compliance, reduce clearance times, and enhance revenue collection. The system was officially inaugurated on 23 May 2025 in the presence of national authorities and development partners.
Sensitization Campaign and Stakeholder Engagement
Ahead of the rollout, a national sensitization campaign was launched to raise awareness of the system’s enhanced functionalities. Between April 21 and 26, a high-level delegation led by the Director General of Customs visited Príncipe Island to engage directly with local authorities, taxpayers, and port stakeholders.
The mission aimed to introduce the upcoming features of ASYCUDAWorld 4.4 and discuss procedural adjustments required for a smooth transition. It marks a critical step forward, given that the current system, ASYCUDAWorld 4.2, has been in use since 2011.
During the visit, the delegation was welcomed by Mr. Filipe Nascimento, President of the Government of the Autonomous Region of Príncipe, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Finance and Public Administration, Mr. Verdigal Gomes Mendonça. Mr. Nascimento expressed his support for the initiative and urged the Customs Directorate to accelerate the upgradation, citing the benefits of aligning with international standards and enhancing trade facilitation.
New Features to Improve Procedures and Reduce Costs
Among the key innovations in ASYCUDAWorld 4.4 is the introduction of a new document to manage waybill transfers from São Tomé to Príncipe. This addition will resolve longstanding challenges faced by Customs and the port operator ENAPORT in distinguishing between nationalized and imported goods arriving on inter-island routes.
The new procedure is expected to clarify the clearance process and streamline port operations on Príncipe, cutting both delays and costs for businesses.
The Director General of Customs emphasized that this implementation would not only improve operational efficiency but also drive a higher volume of transactions and revenue.
Towards Digital Finance and Transparency
The government has also placed strong emphasis on introducing electronic payment functionality. Once implemented, this feature will enable:
- Real-time deposits of collected duties into the Treasury account;
- Simplified reconciliation between ASYCUDAWorld, commercial banks, and other payment channels used during customs clearance.
By integrating digital finance tools and modern data-driven processes, São Tomé and Príncipe is taking concrete steps to build a more transparent, efficient, and internationally aligned customs system.
As implementation moves forward, authorities expect notable gains in compliance and a tangible reduction in tax evasion,placing customs reform at the heart of the country’s development strategy.
SÃO TOMÉ, June 2025 – As part of its broader efforts to strengthen public finances and modernize trade procedures, the Customs Directorate of São Tomé and Príncipe has successfully completed the migration to ASYCUDAWorld version 4.4 (AW 4.4) which went live on 1 May 2025. The upgrade, implemented in close collaboration with ASYCUDA, is expected to significantly improve tax compliance, reduce clearance times, and enhance revenue collection. The system was officially inaugurated on 23 May 2025 in the presence of national authorities and development partners.
Sensitization Campaign and Stakeholder Engagement
Ahead of the rollout, a national sensitization campaign was launched to raise awareness of the system’s enhanced functionalities. Between April 21 and 26, a high-level delegation led by the Director General of Customs visited Príncipe Island to engage directly with local authorities, taxpayers, and port stakeholders.
The mission aimed to introduce the upcoming features of ASYCUDAWorld 4.4 and discuss procedural adjustments required for a smooth transition. It marks a critical step forward, given that the current system, ASYCUDAWorld 4.2, has been in use since 2011.
During the visit, the delegation was welcomed by Mr. Filipe Nascimento, President of the Government of the Autonomous Region of Príncipe, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Finance and Public Administration, Mr. Verdigal Gomes Mendonça. Mr. Nascimento expressed his support for the initiative and urged the Customs Directorate to accelerate the upgradation, citing the benefits of aligning with international standards and enhancing trade facilitation.
New Features to Improve Procedures and Reduce Costs
Among the key innovations in ASYCUDAWorld 4.4 is the introduction of a new document to manage waybill transfers from São Tomé to Príncipe. This addition will resolve longstanding challenges faced by Customs and the port operator ENAPORT in distinguishing between nationalized and imported goods arriving on inter-island routes.
The new procedure is expected to clarify the clearance process and streamline port operations on Príncipe, cutting both delays and costs for businesses.
The Director General of Customs emphasized that this implementation would not only improve operational efficiency but also drive a higher volume of transactions and revenue.
Towards Digital Finance and Transparency
The government has also placed strong emphasis on introducing electronic payment functionality. Once implemented, this feature will enable:
- Real-time deposits of collected duties into the Treasury account;
- Simplified reconciliation between ASYCUDAWorld, commercial banks, and other payment channels used during customs clearance.
By integrating digital finance tools and modern data-driven processes, São Tomé and Príncipe is taking concrete steps to build a more transparent, efficient, and internationally aligned customs system.
As implementation moves forward, authorities expect notable gains in compliance and a tangible reduction in tax evasion,placing customs reform at the heart of the country’s development strategy.