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Abu Dhabi Customs launches Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Tariff Management & Smart Classification System

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Abu Dhabi Customs

The Smart Classification and Tariff Management System is developed in corporation with Webb Fontaine

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, December 8, 2022/APO Group/ — 

Abu Dhabi Customs (ADC), in line with its vision to drive security, trade facilitation, and service excellence, launches new Smart Classification and Tariff Management System, positioning ADC at the forefront of the latest technological developments in the industry.

The Smart Classification and Tariff Management System is developed in corporation with Webb Fontaine and makes use of an advanced search engine built on Artificial Intelligence, and next-generation IT systems to provide appropriate HS codes for Customs transactions. The new system will digitize HS Code Classification for the products being imported to and exported from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

His Excellency Rashid Lahej Al Mansouri, Director-General of the General Administration of Customs in Abu Dhabi commented: “ This is the first system at a regional level that supports the search according to the commercial description of the goods and through the global trade item code GTIN and the chemical compound registration CAS Number. This enhances customs processes by directing users to select the appropriate and correct classification code and associated prohibitions, restrictions, or explanatory notes. This helps reduce classification errors, contributes to effective revenue collection, improves the quality of foreign trade statistics, encourages voluntary compliance with dealers, and builds trust between the trading community and Abu Dhabi Customs.

Webb Fontaine believes in making trade faster, simpler and more secure through the use of AI powered technology

Customers can benefit from the Smart Classification Tool by accessing the UGC TAMM or Abu Dhabi Advanced Trading and Logistics Platform “ATLP.” Customers can easily and accurately search coordinated codes for their products. The search results include (harmonized code, tariff ratio, selective tax, restriction or prohibition of prohibited and restricted codes, and coordinated code measurement units).”

Alioune Ciss, CEO of Webb Fontaine, said: “Webb Fontaine believes in making trade faster, simpler and more secure through the use of AI powered technology. Through our expertise of trade and Customs, we assist governments, businesses, and economic communities around the globe in rethinking and transforming their trading practises. I am confident that this new relationship with Abu Dhabi Customs will greatly improve the quality of customs services for the business community as a whole.” 

Traditional classification techniques present the Customs and trade community with a number of obstacles, such as vague descriptions of goods, unknown products, incorrectly classified items, similarity within HS codes, and a disparity between the commercial description of a product in any language and the official description of the HS code.

Webb Fontaine has incorporated Machine Learning algorithms and Natural Language Processing (NLP) in order to recognise HS codes from commercial product descriptions. The search engine driven by artificial intelligence aims to automate the process of locating the relevant HS code based on the commercial description of goods. It also includes GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) codes, chemical substance names, chemical name synonyms, CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) and Customs Union and Statistics (CUS) codes, product component numbers, and brand names as search options.

In addition, the multilingual platform includes a user-friendly web interface with a search function for Harmoized Classification based on AI to recognise commercial commodities based on their international description, taking into account country-specific needs. The application adheres to international standards like GTIN, CAS, and CUS codes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Webb Fontaine.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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