The 32nd meeting of the Policy Commission of the World Customs Organization Eastern and Southern Africa (WCO ESA) has officially opened in Zanzibar, bringing together customs leaders and representatives from 24 member countries to deliberate on reforms, cooperation, and modernization of customs systems across the region.
The opening ceremony was held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, and officiated by the Minister of Finance of the United Republic of Tanzania, Khamis Mussa Omar.
The meeting is taking place in Zanzibar, a historic trade hub that continues to play a strategic role in regional and international commerce.
Speaking during the opening, Minister Omar said Tanzania has a strong historical background in customs administration within East Africa, noting that the region was among the earliest to establish formal customs systems dating back to 1896.
He said this legacy places a responsibility on customs authorities to continuously strengthen systems that support economic development and regional integration.
He further observed that global trade is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, the growth of e-commerce, and emerging security threats.
These changes, he said, require customs administrations to adapt and modernize in order to enhance trade facilitation while safeguarding national economies.
Minister Omar emphasized the need for stronger regional and international cooperation through the use of digital systems, risk management approaches, and non-intrusive inspection technologies.
He noted that such innovations are essential in improving efficiency at border points, increasing revenue collection, and reducing delays in goods clearance.
He also called on member countries to continue investing in digital transformation to improve transparency and accountability in customs operations, stressing that modern systems are key to meeting the demands of today’s global trade environment.
On his part, the Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority, Yusuph Juma Mwenda, said the authority has implemented significant reforms aimed at modernizing customs services.
He highlighted investments in digital platforms, cargo management systems, and the integration of services through a one-stop service window designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and ease of doing business.
He added that these reforms have strengthened compliance and reduced bottlenecks at entry points, contributing to improved revenue performance and smoother trade operations.
The WCO ESA Policy Commission meeting has brought together delegates from 24 countries across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Discussions focus on customs cooperation, digital transformation, border security, trade facilitation, and strategies to address emerging global trade challenges.
The meeting is expected to conclude with resolutions aimed at strengthening regional integration, improving customs efficiency, and enhancing the role of customs administrations in supporting sustainable economic growth across member states.
