Niël Terblanché
Representatives from 24 countries convened in Swakopmund this week to deliberate on the 2022-2025 regional strategy of the World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa (WCO ESA).
The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) is hosting the 39th Regional Steering Group (RSG) meeting, which will be followed by the 30th Governing Council (GC) meeting, which will be a series of discussions for customs administrators in the region.
The 39th Regional Steering Group (RSG) meeting of the World Customs Organisation East and Southern Africa (WCO ESA) commenced in Swakopmund on Monday.
The meeting was officially opened by Neville Andre, the Erongo Regional Governor while the Mayor of Swakopmund, Dina Nanubes was also in attendance.
In his address, NamRA Commissioner, Sam Shivute urged customs administrators to enhance revenue collection to support Africa’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He reiterated the need to intensify efforts to close revenue leakages caused by illicit financial flows and other revenue collection loopholes.
The Regional Steering Group (RSG) meeting was attended by representatives from 15 member countries and will be followed by the Governing Council on Wednesday.
The gathering in Swakopmund serves as a platform to address key areas such as the implementation of trade agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other Free Trade Agreements.
Discussions will also focus on efficient revenue mobilization, strengthening compliance and security through data management, and addressing new working methods and the well-being of customs staff.
The WCO ESA’s strategy aims to foster economic growth and intra-regional trade by facilitating secure, efficient, and professional trade practices.
Key strategic objectives include developing gender-inclusive, professional, and modernized customs administrations that are fair and effective in revenue collection and border management services.
The strategy also emphasizes enhancing human capital development and maintaining integrity among the 24-member administrations.
According to NamRA, the series of meetings in Namibia emphasizes the country’s key role in regional customs operations and highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance trade facilitation and economic integration across East and Southern Africa.
