Liberia Awards $1.4M ASYCUDA Upgrade Contract to UNCTAD Under Trade Project

Introduction

Liberia has advanced its digital trade infrastructure with a new contract award under the World Bank-supported Liberia Investment, Finance and Trade Project (P171997). The government has awarded a contract to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to upgrade and enhance its customs management platform, ASYCUDA World. The award was confirmed on April 4, 2026.

Contract Details and Scope

The contract (Ref: LR-MOCI-500894-NC-DIR) is valued at USD 1,402,895 and was procured using the Direct Selection (DIR) method. Funded under IDA-70370, the project focuses on modernizing Liberia’s customs and trade facilitation systems.

The scope involves the upgrade and enhancement of the ASYCUDA World system, a globally recognized automated customs data platform used to streamline import/export processes. The project will be implemented over a 15-month period, ensuring phased system improvements, integration and capacity building.

The bid price, evaluated price and signed contract value remained consistent, reflecting a straightforward procurement process typical of direct selection contracts.

Entities Involved

The project is overseen by Liberia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with financing support from the World Bank. The selected contractor, UNCTAD, is the original developer and global custodian of the ASYCUDA system, making it uniquely qualified for system upgrades and enhancements.

Strategic and Economic Significance

This contract award is a key milestone in Liberia’s efforts to improve trade efficiency and customs modernization. Enhancing ASYCUDA World will:

• Streamline customs clearance processes
• Reduce trade bottlenecks and delays
• Improve revenue collection and transparency
• Facilitate cross-border trade and investment

Such government contracts are critical in strengthening institutional capacity and supporting economic growth in developing economies.

Technical and Procurement Insights

The use of the Direct Selection procurement method reflects the specialized nature of the project. Given that ASYCUDA is proprietary to UNCTAD, engaging the original developer ensures technical compatibility, system integrity and efficient implementation.

The upgrade is expected to include system optimization, new module integration, cybersecurity enhancements and training for customs officials.

Conclusion

The $1.4 million contract award to UNCTAD marks a significant step in Liberia’s procurement news and digital transformation journey. As implementation progresses, the upgraded ASYCUDA World system is expected to enhance trade facilitation, improve efficiency and position Liberia as a more competitive player in regional and global markets.

This awarded tender highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and targeted investments in driving sustainable economic development.

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