The Webb Fontaine Summit, themed “Innovate The Future,” took place on May 12 and 13 in Dubai, attracting 40 delegations from ministerial, port, and customs sectors across more than 20 countries. The event served as a collaborative platform aimed at exchanging knowledge and co-constructing digital solutions, particularly highlighting the significance of intelligent data management in facilitating progress.

Credit: ZAWYA

Discussions at the summit centered on the digitalization of trade practices, emphasizing how technological innovations, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), can revolutionize global trade and customs operations. Delegates had the opportunity to witness the latest technological advancements, including real-world case studies that demonstrated how AI can enhance trade procedures and secure revenue collection.

During the two-day event, participants exchanged insights on how innovative practices can generate socio-economic value and promote secure trade operations. The need to train future generations in adapting to these technological changes was also a critical point of discussion.

Alioune Ciss, Chief Executive Officer of Webb Fontaine, remarked, “At Webb Fontaine, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We don’t just respond to change; we shape it. Our cutting-edge solutions – from AI-driven risk assessment to blockchain-enabled single window systems – are designed to unlock the full potential of trade, enhance transparency, and foster compliance.”

Youssef Nana Tèninké Diaré, Chief of Cabinet to the Minister of Budget, noted that the summit was particularly interactive, allowing for genuine dialogue rather than just presentations. She highlighted the impact of Webb Tracking, which enables real-time container tracking with updates in under a minute. Diaré stated that this technology has significantly boosted revenue and improved security for the port sector in Guinea.

The summit successfully created a dynamic forum for dialogue, establishing a foundation for developing digital solutions that benefit all stakeholders involved in global trade. Webb Fontaine expressed its commitment to ongoing collaboration with governments, customs authorities, and ports to harness technology’s potential in shaping the future of trade.