Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 89 | Page 60

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Cloud

Egypt ports and customs implements Webb Risk , risk management system from Webb Fontaine

Egypt ’ s busy ports on both the Mediterranean and Red Sea , as well as several tourist and petroleum ports , are gateways for thousands of goods entering and exiting the country daily . Once these goods arrive in port , they are subject to a series of regulations , inspections , and risk assessments , which could potentially cause significant delays . With volumes like these passing through the country ’ s ports every day , the result of delays caused by poor risk management processes could be disastrous .

The Egyptian government realised the need for a solution that would help both customs officials and port users navigate these complex procedures and ensure that goods reach their destination on time . The government engaged Webb Fontaine to implement a state-of-the-art integrated risk management system known as Webb Risk , along with MTS , Misr Technology Services , the organisation that developed Egypt ’ s Nafeza Single Window System .
The Webb Risk system uses advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to provide customs authorities with the tools they need to anticipate , detect , and mitigate potential risks in trade operations . Port users are also subjected to far more streamlined processes in terms of ensuring that they have the correct documentation and permissions to bring their goods into the country , and that the relevant declarations are made .
The Webb Risk system employs a multifaceted approach to risk management , focusing on four key pillars : customs intelligence , compliance criteria , predictive analysis , and random inspections . These pillars work together to ensure that customs authorities can effectively assess and manage risks associated with trade operations .
Intelligence criteria is used to develop targeting rules by analysing data to identify patterns and trends associated with highrisk activities . This analysis may involve examining information collected from various sources , both internal and external , such as intelligence from national or international partners .
Compliance criteria plays a crucial role . With our risk profiling module , we can accurately select operators who comply with customs standards . This capability effectively manages national programs for Authorised Economic Operators , AEO . Thus , operators
Bassem Chermitti , Group Product Manager , Webb Fontaine reaching a high level of compliance benefit from less stringent controls .
Predictive analysis is an essential element of the decision-making process to select high-risk shipments and enhance our solution dynamically . This method relies on historical data to anticipate potential risks . Through the use of advanced machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence , customs authorities can identify declarations with a high level of risk , optimise resource allocation , and focus on areas where the risk of non-compliance is highest .
Random selection complements our approach by randomly selecting low-risk declarations for occasional surprise inspections . This practice contributes to deterring fraudulent activities and behavioural change .
Since its implementation , Webb Risk has already resulted in significant benefits for trade operations in Egypt .
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When it comes to improved accuracy and efficiency of risk management , the benefits have been obvious . For instance , by empowering customs officials with the tools to identify and mitigate potential risks , the fraud detection rate for the year-long period between March 2023 and the end of February 2024 is sitting at around 22 %. p
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