Customs officials from the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region of the World Customs Organization (WCO) are convening in Kigali, for the 38th Regional Steering Group (RSG) Meeting, hosted by the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). The meeting aims to review the progress of past decisions and discuss various aspects related to the implementation of the current Regional Strategy.

The World Customs Organization is an independent intergovernmental body with the mission of enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. 

Njebi Vincent Kwalar, Regional Development Manager for the ESA Region, expressed enthusiasm for the meeting taking place in Rwanda over the next three days, emphasizing it as an opportunity for knowledge sharing. 

He noted the challenges faced by customs officials in the region but expressed hope that they would continue their modernization efforts to meet expectations.

Key panels have been organized under different topics, including “Managing and enhancing return on investment from capacity building workshops”, “Experiences and strategic measures on Reform and Modernization in Customs”; “Use of data and statistics in decision making and management processes” and “Boosting performance and productivity by taking care of people and flexible working environment”.

“I enjoin you fellow delegates to pay close attention, because therein lies the state of affairs and perhaps the vision for the region in the respective work domains,” he said. 

Mr. Chabeeraj Hurry, Chairperson of the Regional Steering Group, expressed gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for hosting the 38th RSG, as well as other regional meetings, including the 25th Finance and Governance Committee (FGC) and the Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Heads Meeting, held in the past two days. 

He noted that the RSG provides Customs officials with an opportunity to review the progress made in the previous six months and stated that nearly 80% of the deliverables from the last meeting have been completed.

“I am therefore persuaded that within six more months to go, we will be right on track for 100% completion,” he said.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Felicien Mwumvaneza, Commissioner for Customs Services at the Rwanda Revenue Authority, highlighted the importance of their collective work. 

“We believe that this is a very important forum. We face so many challenges today, and most of these challenges can only be tackled when we work together. And I would like to believe that while we have had some very good achievements in the past, there is important tasks that await us,” he said.

Mwumvaneza emphasized that Africa is at a defining moment, and the role of customs administrations needs to shift to focus on matters such as increased cooperation and information sharing. 

He encouraged participants to proactively work toward the objectives of a free Africa and facilitating businesses, emphasizing that customs administrations will play a key role in realizing the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Mwumvaneza encouraged the customs administration to discuss how to position themselves to seize the opportunities that this free trade framework affords, and how they can jointly overcome challenges along the way.

He emphasized that Rwanda has opened the sky for all visitors visa free, and with more countries following suit, it is an opportunity that needs to be seized.

“These are initiatives that we need to consider and anticipate not only what opportunities they bring about, but also challenges they are likely to present to us as customs administrations and position ourselves accordingly,” he added.

He concluded by suggesting that in addition to attending the meeting, participants should explore the opportunities that Rwanda offers. 

Established in 1952, the World Customs Organization has 185 members, with three-quarters being developing countries responsible for managing over 98% of world trade. 

Its responsibilities include developing international standards, fostering cooperation, building capacity to facilitate legitimate trade, ensuring fair revenue collection, and protecting society. The organization provides leadership, guidance, and support to Customs administrations.

The World Customs Organization is divided into six regions, with Rwanda situated in the East and Southern Africa region together with other 23 Member Countries. Other five regions are West and Central Africa; North of Africa, Near and Middle East; Europe; Far East, South and SouthEast Asia, Australasia and the Pacific Islands; and South America, North America, Central America and the Caribbean.