BrazilGhana based IT firm WestBlue Consulting acquired by Customs World
Dubai-based solutions firm Customs World has taken over the operations of Ghana-based West Blue consulting, in a merger that will establish the Ports and Customs World Ghana Limited. The move signifies the entry of Customs World International into the Ghanaian market.
Founded in 2005, Customs World (CW) is a subsidiary operation of Ports Customs and Free Zones Corporation in Dubai. CW’s operations focus on reform and development solutions, with the primary aim of making businesses more streamlined and cost-effective. Among major projects that are attributed to the firm, CW was responsible for the reformation of Dubai Customs. The firm began in Dubai, and has now spread to over 65 countries.
Now, the firm has entered into the African market, with the acquisition of West Blue Consulting in Ghana. The IT-based consulting firm offers support to clients across the world with strategy implementation and development. The firm places its focus on a combination of design-build-implement and alternative delivery methods in order to provide tailor-made solutions. West Blue was previously contracted by the government to assist with the National Single Window and Risk Management System in Ghana.
The two firms will now operate in Ghana as Ports and Customs World Ghana Limited. The new operation will focus on the automation of customs, free zones, as well as ports across Ghana. In addition, the firm will modify processes in Ghana using technology, with the aim of mirroring the state-of the art systems in Dubai.
Implementation of the solutions will rely on segments such as Risk Engine, Mirsal 2, the Client Management System, Smart Applications, as well as managing freezones and customs warehouses.
In a statement, West Blue Consulting said, “Customs World, a subsidiary of Ports Customs and Free Zones Corporation (PCFC) Dubai, has signed an agreement to take over West Blue Ghana Limited, the company engaged for the provision of the National Single Window and Risk Management System in Ghana. Customs World International is committed to investing significant resources including capital, world-class technologies and human expertise in Ghana as they have done in Dubai and other countries.”
The statement added, “The implementation of these new systems will be based on a robust risk engine that will improve efficiency in Ghana’s ports and customs operations thus, increasing revenue to the Government of Ghana and at the same time significantly reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana’s ports."
