UNOPS Yemen: Japan, UNOPS Strengthen the Operational Capacity of Yemen Customs

Riyadh, 12 February 2026 

The Government of Japan and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) signed a new agreement to support  the Yemen Customs Authority (YCA). 

With the funding of 732 million Japanese yen (approximately USD 4.6 million), the “Project for the Improvement of Customs Functions at Major Ports” will procure cargo inspection devices and the necessary spare parts to enhance the efficiency of customs clearance procedures at targeted border ports. In addition, this initiative will equip the YCA Disaster Recovery Site (DRS) with essential IT infrastructure enabling the operationalization of the centralized data recovery facility and supporting the modernization of Yemen’s customs operations.

H.E. Mr. Yoichi Nakashima, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Yemen, remarked “This assistance is, by enhancing customs infrastructure and capacity development, to strengthen the rule of law, support revenue collection for national economy, and safeguard and facilitate essential supply chains including humanitarian assistance for the Yemeni people. Japan reaffirms its commitment together with UNOPS and other partners to supporting nation building efforts by the Yemeni people.”

Muhammad Usman Akram, Representative and Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Amman, stated: “Today marks a significant step forward in strengthening the Yemeni Customs Authority through vital and much appreciated funding from our longstanding partner - the Government of Japan. The measures proposed under this project are important to revitalizing and modernizing the Yemeni Customs, while enhancing efficiency of the custom procedures. UNOPS remains committed to supporting the efforts of the Government of Yemen towards reconstruction and sustainable development with the valuable support of the international community.” 

The project contributes to the 2025 Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan Strategic Objective 2 related to improving and maintaining non-discriminatory access to basic services and building resilience. It also contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

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About UNOPS: 

UNOPS offers practical solutions to the UN and other partners, across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.org

UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman implements projects in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen and implements work in partnership with bilateral and multilateral donors, national governments and other UN agencies. 

For Press Inquiries, please contact:

Anwar Abu Sakieneh, Communications Specialist (UNOPS) 

AnwarAB@unops.org I +962 7 9902 6315 I  +962 6 5902122