Demba Seck
Brussels
Summary
Multilingual trade and customs expert with 10+ years’ experience in customs modernization, rules of origin, regional integration, and market access. Proven leader of technical assistance aligned with AfCFTA, ECOWAS, and WTO/WCO frameworks, skilled in enhancing SME competitiveness, tackling non-tariff barriers, and advising on customs reforms to boost export diversification and standards compliance.
Experienced in programme design, stakeholder engagement, and coordination with key partners including ITC, EU, WTO, ECOWAS, AfCFTA, and UNCTAD. Expert in managing trade integration, capacity-building, and digital transformation initiatives.
Strong track record leading multi-stakeholder projects and leveraging data-driven insights to advance trade facilitation and inclusive economic growth across ECOWAS and Africa, with focus on women- and youth-led enterprises. Ready to drive impact within the ATCMA programme.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Officer Origin
World Customs Organization
09.2020 - Current
- Delivered technical assistance and capacity-building to over 30 WCO Member States across Africa on origin rules implementation under AfCFTA and EU EPAs.
- Led origin infrastructure diagnostics, legislative reviews, and SME-focused trade facilitation in ECOWAS and related RECs.
- Coordinated the Technical Committee on Rules of Origin (TCRO), expanding participation and policy impact.
- Co-developed the AfCFTA Practical Manual on Rules of Origin; contributed to digital origin certification tools.
- Managed donor-funded programmes, including the EU-WCO Origin Africa initiative.
- Strengthened partnerships with ITC, UNCTAD, WTO, WAEMU and AfCFTA Secretariat.
- Mentored interns, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
Internal Auditor
Customs Administration of Senegal
12.2019 - 08.2020
- Assessed more than 10 operational risks and conducted organizational audits.
- Proposed strategic reforms to improve internal controls and transparency.
Chief of Post – Karang Border Post Senegal–Gambia
Customs Administration of Senegal
06.2019 - 12.2019
- Supervised 15 customs officers and coordinated integrated border management.
- Ensured compliance with cross-border trade regulations.
Customs Inspector–Dakar North Port Office
Customs Administration of Senegal
08.2017 - 06.2019
- Handled over 100 clearance verifications and 50+ fraud investigations, ensuring regulatory compliance and maximizing revenue collection.
- Advocated policy reforms to streamline clearance, reduce delays, and strengthen risk management systems.
- Provided technical guidance to customs brokers on legal and procedural compliance, fostering transparency and service quality.
- Mentored junior officers in compliance, risk profiling, and the application of the Harmonized System, rules of origin, and customs valuation.Facilitated trade by expediting compliant shipments and focusing controls on high-risk consignments.
- Leveraged advanced inspection technologies and randomized controls, inspecting 75% of containers with greater accuracy and efficiency.
Head of Origin and Valuation Unit
Customs Administration of Senegal
03.2014 - 08.2017
- Drafted national policies on rules of origin, trade facilitation, and customs valuation, aligned with international best practices and ECOWAS/UEMOA regulatory frameworks.
- Participated in technical committees and expert groups of ECOWAS, UEMOA, African Union (AU), WCO, and WTO.
- Supported regional value Drafted national policies on rules of origin, trade facilitation, and customs valuation, aligned with international best practices and ECOWAS/UEMOA regulatory frameworks.Participated in technical committees and expert groups of ECOWAS, UEMOA, African Union (AU), WCO, and WTO.
- Represented Senegal in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiations (2016–2017) and contributed to WCO-WTO technical forums.
- Led inter-agency and private sector training sessions on origin compliance, certification procedures, and customs modernization.
- Supported regional value chain development strategies in line with UEMOA and ECOWAS integration objectives.
- Handled verification requests from EU member states for exports under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), ensuring conformity with origin requirements.
Customs Inspector – Dakar South Port Office
Customs Administration of Senegal
11.2009 - 02.2014
- Handled over 1000 clearance verifications and 100+ fraud investigations, ensuring regulatory compliance and maximizing revenue collection.
- Advocated policy reforms to streamline clearance, reduce delays, and strengthen risk management systems.
- Provided technical guidance to customs brokers on legal and procedural compliance, fostering transparency and service quality.
- Mentored junior officers in compliance, risk profiling, and the application of the Harmonized System, rules of origin, and customs valuation.
- Facilitated trade by expediting compliant shipments and focusing controls on high-risk consignments.
- Leveraged advanced inspection technologies and randomized controls, inspecting 50% of containers with greater accuracy and efficiency.
Technical Adviser – Ministry of Youth
Republic of Senegal
10.2006 - 11.2007
- Advised on youth employment strategies and national development initiatives.
- Represented the ministry in high-level policy discussions.
Cooperating Teacher
Ministry of Education
10.2001 - 06.2005
- Delivered inclusive education and led curriculum planning.
- Participated in various national education reforms and teacher training.
Education
Executive MBA - Strategic Change Management
EPIM Business School
Marrakech Morocco08.2025
Master of Science - Port Logistics And Management
Université Du Littoral Côte D’Opale (ULCO)
Dunkerque, France12.2011
Postgraduate Diploma - International Relations & Diplomacy
Centre For Diplomatic And Strategic Studies (CEDS)
Dakar, Senegal01.2013
Advanced Diploma - Public Administration – Customs Track
École Nationale D’Administration (ENA)
Dakar, Senegal10.2009
Master of Arts - Applied Foreign Languages – Business & Tourism
Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD)
Dakar, Senegal12.2000
Skills
- Strategic Leadership and Team Management
- Project Coordination and Resource Mobilization
- Trade Policy and Regional Integration
- Programme and Project Management
- Capacity Building and Institutional Diagnostics
- Data-Driven Reform and Digital Transformation
- Information Technology and Collaboration Tools
Languages
French
English
Spanish
References
- Mr. Ebenezer Gebding Tafili, Deputy Director, Capacity Building Directorate – WCO, EbenezerGebding.TAFILI@wcoomd.org
- Mr. Malick Mbaye, Coordinator, Senegalese Customs Headquarters – Dakar, malickmbaye@douanes.sn
- Ms. Gaël Grooby, Director, Policies and Standards – WCO, gael.grooby@wcoomd.org
Timeline
Technical Officer Origin
World Customs Organization
09.2020 - Current
Internal Auditor
Customs Administration of Senegal
12.2019 - 08.2020
Chief of Post – Karang Border Post Senegal–Gambia
Customs Administration of Senegal
06.2019 - 12.2019
Customs Inspector–Dakar North Port Office
Customs Administration of Senegal
08.2017 - 06.2019
Head of Origin and Valuation Unit
Customs Administration of Senegal
03.2014 - 08.2017
Customs Inspector – Dakar South Port Office
Customs Administration of Senegal
11.2009 - 02.2014
Technical Adviser – Ministry of Youth
Republic of Senegal
10.2006 - 11.2007
Cooperating Teacher
Ministry of Education
10.2001 - 06.2005
Executive MBA - Strategic Change Management
EPIM Business School
Master of Science - Port Logistics And Management
Université Du Littoral Côte D’Opale (ULCO)
Postgraduate Diploma - International Relations & Diplomacy
Centre For Diplomatic And Strategic Studies (CEDS)
Advanced Diploma - Public Administration – Customs Track
École Nationale D’Administration (ENA)
Master of Arts - Applied Foreign Languages – Business & Tourism
Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD)
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