UN/CEFACT: Senegal takes the lead in facilitating global trade

Ibrahima Nour Eddine Diagne, general administrator of GAINDE 2000, was elected president of the United Nations Center for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Transactions (UN/CEFACT), for the period 2026-2029. A recognition for Senegalese expertise in the dematerialization of commercial procedures and a new responsibility in the definition of international trade standards.

Senegal assumes the presidency of a strategic body of the United Nations. Ibrahima Nour Eddine Diagne was elected, on November 2, 2026 in Geneva, president of UN/CEFACT for a three-year term (2026-2029). This election, which took place during the 32nd plenary session of the organization, marks the journey of a Senegalese actor engaged for two decades in the digital transformation of international trade. Beyond individual recognition, this appointment constitutes an opportunity for Senegal to have greater influence in international discussions on trade facilitation, the interconnection of commercial systems and the modernization of logistics chains. Created in 1996 within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, UN/CEFACT plays an important role in harmonizing trade procedures globally. This structure develops standards, recommendations and tools intended to simplify exchanges between companies, customs administrations, transporters and other players in international trade.

Its work focuses in particular on the electronic exchange of commercial data, the international identification of ports and airports through the UN/LOCODE system and the establishment of one-stop shops for foreign trade. So many measures help to reduce delays, costs and administrative burdens linked to international transactions.

The organization brings together more than 200 experts from the public and private sectors and remains open to the 193 member states of the United Nations. Its mission takes on particular importance in a context marked by the acceleration of the digitalization of trade and the search for more fluid and interconnected supply chains. The choice of Ibrahima Nour Eddine Diagne is based on more than twenty years of experience in trade facilitation, the digital transformation of procedures and the modernization of administrations. His involvement with the UN/CEFACT dates back to 2006. He notably served as rapporteur for Africa for more than a decade. His international career also includes the presidency of the African Alliance for E-Commerce between 2009 and 2017 and the vice-presidency of the Pan Asian Alliance for e-Commerce since 2024. In Senegal, he is particularly known for his role at the head of GAINDE 2000, a key player in the development of digital solutions intended to facilitate foreign trade operations.
His candidacy received, on April 14, 2026, the approval of the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, before being supported by the Senegalese diplomatic network.

Challenges linked to the transformation of global trade

For his 2026-2029 mandate, the new president will have to support the changes in international trade, in an environment where dematerialization, the interoperability of systems and the secure circulation of data are becoming major competitiveness challenges.
Among the priorities announced are the promotion of international standards, strengthening the interconnection of systems, the digital transformation of value chains and better participation of developing countries in the work of the organization. Cooperation between the public and private sectors is also an important focus, as is the promotion of more inclusive, transparent and sustainable trade.

Oumar FEDIOR