From Security to Revenue: The History and Purpose of ECTN in Africa

What Is ECTN? A Brief Introduction

The Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN)—also known as BESC, CTN, or ACD—is a mandatory document required for shipments entering several African countries.
Its purpose today is twofold:

Regulate cargo entering the country
Generate revenue for port authorities and shippers’ councils

But the origins of ECTN are far more complex and are rooted in global security concerns following one of the most defining events of the 21st century: the September 11 attacks.

How 9/11 Triggered a Worldwide Shift in Cargo Security

After the 2001 attacks, the United States introduced the Automated Manifest System (AMS). The goal was simple but revolutionary:

Know what cargo is coming,
Before it arrives,
Allow authorities to prevent dangerous shipments long before they reach U.S. shores.

This system became a global model for pre-arrival cargo information.

Following the U.S., the European Union adopted similar procedures, emphasizing transparency, security, and early risk assessment in maritime trade.

How ECTN Emerged Across Africa

African countries observed these new global standards and recognized the need for:

Stronger border security
Better cargo visibility
More control over what enters their ports

Early implementation was influenced heavily by French and Belgian logistics companies, which already had operational networks in former African colonies. They helped set up the first ECTN platforms in countries such as:

At this stage, the primary motivation was security, aligned with the global response to terrorism and maritime threats.

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From Security Measure to Revenue Stream

As governments adopted ECTN, they discovered its secondary—and extremely valuable—benefit:

Revenue Generation

Because the ECTN is required before loading, it became a reliable tool for:

Ensuring accurate cargo declarations
Preventing under-invoicing or misdeclared weights
Supporting port authorities, shippers’ councils, and customs digitization programs

Soon, ECTN fees evolved into a sustainable revenue source, supporting administrative modernization and port infrastructure.

Countries such as:

now rely on ECTN systems not only for security, but for financial stability and trade transparency.

Why ECTN Still Matters Today

Despite its shift toward revenue collection, the original purpose has not disappeared. ECTN remains a valuable tool for:

Preventing illegal shipments
Enhancing maritime traceability
Supporting compliance with the ISPS Code (International Ship & Port Facility Security Code)

For exporters and freight forwarders, understanding the system’s history helps explain why: