Sana'a: The Yemen Customs Authority is taking significant steps to modernize its customs operations through extensive training and capacity building for its workforce. This initiative aligns with evolving sector demands and is guided by the directives of the revolutionary leadership, the Supreme Political Council, and the Reform and Development Government's program, which aims to enhance customs services for efficient citizen transactions.
According to Yemen News Agency, the Authority has developed a comprehensive training plan designed to transition from traditional administration to modern management. This plan focuses on building the skills and efficiency of personnel across central offices and customs centers. From January 2023 to February 2025, the Authority conducted 71 training programs across various customs operation areas, including foundational programs for establishing modern customs management principles.
Engineer Adel Margham, Head of the Customs Authority, reported that a total of 3,186 customs employees and private sector partners were trained during this period, with 761 participants in January and February 2025 alone. The training matrix, designed to align with the nature of customs work, supports a modern management environment capable of transparent procedural implementation.
The Authority's training initiatives mark a significant turning point in customs operations, emphasizing human capital development as the cornerstone for sustainable development and institutional transformation. This transformation is rooted in integrity and transparency, aiming to reduce corruption and foster partnerships with traders, importers, and related entities.
The Authority also conducted ten training courses for private sector partners, targeting 403 participants, including customs brokers and commercial company representatives. These courses introduced the Yemeni Single Window Clearance System, launched by Prime Minister Ahmed Al-Rahwi on January 27.
Additionally, two customs clearance training programs were held, benefiting 143 private sector participants working in customs clearance offices. A recent report by the Customs Cultural Institute detailed the types of training conducted in 2023 and 2024, including administrative, skill-based, computer-based programs, ASYCUDA, customs clearance, and specialized technical training.
Training in January and February 2025 focused on customs inspection, auditing, programming environments, and training of trainers (ToT). Engineer Margham highlighted that these programs targeted various levels within the customs system, enhancing professional awareness, field performance, and alignment with technical updates.
He emphasized that the training matrix is part of the broader renaissance project for building a modern Yemeni state, a vision set forth by the late President Saleh Al-Sammad. The Customs Cultural Institute has been equipped with necessary resources, including training equipment and practical labs, to simulate real customs field procedures.