The Directorate General of Customs of Madagascar has achieved an essential milestone towards implementing its competency-based human resource management (HRM) system. From 10-14 March, the World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, organized a mission in Antananarivo, Madagascar, to further support Malagasy Customs in this HRM reform journey, which the Administration considers pivotal in its broader reform and modernization plan.
The mission aimed to validate the Competency-based HRM tools developed by Malagasy Customs following the WCO capacity building started in 2023, create a change management plan for implementing the validated tools, and further raise the awareness of the Customs top management, the project team and relevant internal stakeholders on the vital role of the project for the Administration’s performance.
At the mission's opening, the Director General of Malagasy Customs, Mr Zafivanona Ernest Lainkana, underlined the importance of the HRM modernization project for the efficient end-to-end management of his Administration’s HR processes and its overall modernization drive in a rapidly changing Customs environment marked by technological advancements and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence. He appreciated the WCO’s support and highlighted that his Administration has developed an HR information system, IKOLO, with functionalities to accommodate and effectively manage the developed HRM tools.
During the mission, the developed tools – the job catalogue, the competency framework, the competency dictionary, and the job descriptions were examined and validated. The sessions also discussed and agreed upon a change management plan, including communication, digitalization, training, the pilot project, and the HR policy.
Looking ahead, the Malagasy Customs top management team expressed its commitment and eagerness to implement the proposed roadmap for implementing the change management plan with expected results, activities, outputs, and timelines. This commitment is a clear sign of dedication to the HRM project and a source of inspiration for all involved, with a critical milestone being the deployment of the soon-to-be-started pilot phase at three selected sites, i.e. the HR and IT departments and the Antananarivo Airport.
The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, funded by the United Kingdom’s His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, looks forward to continuing its multiyear partnership with Malagasy Customs to support the Administration’s reform and modernization agenda – enhancing Customs performance and driving inclusive economic prosperity in Madagascar.
For more information on the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, please see here.
For more information on WCO capacity building, please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.