WCO ESA Regional Office for Capacity Building - ROCB

26/11/2025

African Trade Observatory: Facilitating intra-African trade
The WCO ESA Regional Office for Capacity Building in collaboration with International Trade Centre held a webinar on 25 November 2025, on the African Trade Observatory (ATO) providing participants with a comprehensive overview of the ATO project and its ongoing activities to enhance trade facilitation and support evidence-based decision-making across the region. The session highlighted the collaborative efforts between the ATO team and national Customs administrations, particularly in strengthening data collection systems, improving information-sharing mechanisms, and advancing regional integration. Participants were also updated on the implementation status of the ATO across WCO ESA Member States, including the progress achieved so far, the challenges that remain, and upcoming technical and capacity-building initiatives aimed at ensuring full operationalization.

The ATO is an online system that strengthens trade information across Africa by allowing the monitoring of regional integration, competitiveness, market access, broader procedures, and the usage of trade preferences in Africa. ATO also equips Customs Officials to sustain quality trade data and trains policymakers and business people to analyze and use the trade data. ATO, offers a database of trade information, including information and business opportunities and a business directory, as well as a tool for policymakers to negotiate and monitor tariff removal.

The WCO ESA ROCB Director, Ms. Josephine Manyasi ‘ndc’ (K), welcomed all participants and expressed appreciation for their attendance despite demanding schedules. She reiterated the ROCB’s commitment to supporting AfCFTA implementation through capacity-building activities related to the ATO, noting that the platform is a key tool for informed decision-making and promotion of intra-African trade. Ms. Manyasi also thanked WCO ESA Member Administrations for sharing updates on ATO implementation within their countries, emphasizing that their input would help identify best practices and address existing challenges. She encouraged participants to engage actively in the session and to share the knowledge gained with colleagues who were unable to attend.

Dr. Jaqueline Salguero Huaman from the International Trade Centre (ITC) delivered a detailed presentation on the ATO online platform, accessible at https://ato.africa/ Her presentation covered the platform’s indicators and included a live demonstration highlighting its analytical capabilities. She highlighted the importance of the platform in providing timely, reliable trade data to support Customs administrations and policymakers in developing effective, data-driven strategies.

The other trainers from the International Trade Centre were Mr. Mathieu Loridan and Mr. Cyril Chalendard.

21/11/2025

Congratulations to Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) class of 2025!

We would like to congratulate Dr. Mugambi Mwirigi on the , as well as all the graduates for handling every challenge with the brilliance and resilience of diamonds.

We also congratulate our very own Ms. Clemence Wawuda and Ms. Linda Siele on their graduation and wish them all the very best in their future endeavors!

2025 Theme: Enhancing digital skills for simplified revenue administration.

13/11/2025

Multi-Stakeholder Engagement Forum: Ensuring Humanitarian Medical Supply flow in the African Continent

📍Nairobi Kenya

🗓 11th -13th November 2025

The WCO ESA ROCB is participating in a multi-stakeholder engagement forum organized by IMPACCT project, World Food Programme, World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières / MSF currently taking place in Nairobi, Kenya. The forum brings together representatives from Customs administrations within the World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa (WCO ESA) region, supply chain management and the health sector and seeks to establish bottlenecks, best practices and ways of boosting coordination and operational efficiency-optimizing Customs Procedures and Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration.

The forum further envisages shaping regional guidelines to achieve joint Development of Solutions and Continental Framework to streamline Customs clearance of humanitarian supplies. Some of the key operational challenges highlighted and opportunities to enhance cross-border clearance of humanitarian supplies are complex documentation, inconsistency among customs practices across the ESA region. Mitigation measures proposed include simplification and harmonization of Customs clearance processes across borders, regulatory requirements, improved communication and coordination among agencies & member states, and promotion of joint collaboration with authorities for efficient clearance of the humanitarian goods.

The Director WCO ESA Regional Office for Capacity Building - ROCB Mrs Josephine Manyasi in her opening remarks stated that the humanitarian situation globally requires the combined effort of Customs, key stakeholders and partners in the supply chain to ensure sustained coordination, preparedness, and cross-border support for movement and faster clearance of humanitarian goods. The Director informed the forum that the World Customs Organization, East and Southern Africa Region had developed a Regional Strategic Plan 2025-2028, being implemented through the Regional Office for Capacity Building. The strategy focuses on efficient trade facilitation, integration and protection of society and environment among other objectives. The ROCB is also collaborating with development partners and the regional private sector group to simplify and harmonize Customs procedures in the importation and Customs clearance of humanitarian health supplies.

The Director appealed to participants to candidly engage during this multi-stakeholder forum with the ultimate goal of identifying actionable solutions to challenges that hinder faster clearance and movement of goods meant for humanitarian aid and foster a shared commitment to improving customs processes during health emergencies.

05/11/2025

The 42nd Regional Steering Group (RSG) Meeting – Mbabane, Eswatini.

5th – 7th November 2025.

The 42nd Regional Steering Group (RSG) Meeting is currently under way, hosted by the Eswatini Revenue Service in Mbabane, Eswatini.

Opening remarks delivered are highlighted as follows:
Mrs Pearl Muir-Dlamini, Head of Domestic Revenue, on behalf of Mr. Brightwell S. Nkambule, Commissioner General, Eswatini Revenue Service, welcomed all delegates to Mbabane and expressed pride in the Government of Eswatini through the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) hosting the region, pointing out that ERS was excited to host the region for the first time since its establishment as a semi-autonomous government agency in 2011. She assured the RSG of Eswatini’s unwavering commitment to the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region, affirming that Eswatini remains steadfast in its dedication to the collective goals and initiatives of the ESA region. She pointed out that the RSG provides an opportunity for members to consider the regional strategy work plan for the years 2025 – 2028, noting that it is important for the region to maintain alignment of focus areas with the broader goals of the WCO, and to put in place policies that will create resilient administrations.

Mr. Coffet Lebepe, Vice Chair’s representative and Chairperson of the RSG Meeting (South Africa), conveyed the appreciation of the ESA Vice-Chair, and the entire leadership of the South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) to the Government of Eswatini for agreeing to host the region. He highlighted the milestones achieved by the region, including the adoption of the new regional strategy 2025-28 which aligns its objectives to the global WCO and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He pointed out that the strategy emphasizes key priorities such as trade facilitation, effective administration for resource mobilization, and the protection of society and environment. He further highlighted the critical role of capacity building, commending the ROCB for its continued efforts in supporting Member administrations and regional partners.

Mr. Motohiro Fujimitsu, Manager for the WCO/JICA Joint Project and WCO Representative, thanked the government and people of the Kingdom of Eswatini for the hospitality accorded to the delegates and conveyed appreciation to the ROCB and Vice Chair for the invitation extended to the organization. He noted that this 42nd Meeting is being held at a very opportune time, as the WCO recently adopted its new Strategic Plan for 2025–2028 and the new capacity building paradigm and is now entering the implementation phase. He extended heartfelt appreciation to the ROCB for their continued support and commendable efforts. He also highlighted that the ESA region is regarded as a role model within the WCO, enjoying strong support from all Members, a reflection of their collective commitment and collaboration.
Mrs. Josephine Manyasi, ROCB Director, thanked the Kingdom of Eswatini for hosting the back-to-back regional meetings and for the hospitality accorded to the delegates. She acknowledged the Vice-Chair (South Africa), ESA Region Members, the WCO, and all development partners for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to regional goals. She reiterated the ROCB’s commitment to deliver capacity building activities within the region and the continued engagement with development partners towards the successful implementation of the regional strategy. She highlighted the regional strategy objectives and informed the meeting that the Regional Strategy Implementation Work Plan had been developed and will be tabled for ratification by the 42nd RSG and proposed for adoption by the 32nd Governing Council.

03/11/2025

The ESA Regional Training Centres (RTC) Heads Meeting – Mbabane, Eswatini.

3rd & 4th November 2025.

The meeting of the WCO ESA RTC Heads, ROCB, and RILO is currently under way, hosted by the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) in Mbabane, Eswatini. Participants include the Heads of the RTC Kenya, RTC Mauritius, RTC South Africa, RTC Zimbabwe, the ROCB, and the RILO. The WCO was not represented at the meeting.

Opening remarks delivered are highlighted as follows:

Ms. Gugu Mahlinza, Commissioner of Customs, Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS), warmly welcomed all delegates to the Kingdom of Eswatini. She congratulated the new Director of the ROCB, Ms. Josephine Manyasi, on her appointment and wished her well in the delivery of her mandate. She highlighted the important role played by the RTCs in building capacity in the region and in promoting professionalism within the Customs and Tax Administrations. She pointed out that in the era of constant change of technology and the dynamic environment within which Customs operates, the RTCs play a crucial role in ensuring that the Customs and Tax officials are up to date with the advancements in technology and can ably respond to arising matters timeously. The Commissioner further informed the meeting that the RTC meeting provides the opportunity to share best practices, strategize and develop policies that will support capacity building in the region.

Mr. Nelson Mukuriah, representing the Chairperson of the RTC Heads for the year 2025-2026, Dr. Mugambi Mwirigi, RTC Kenya, thanked the government and people of the Kingdom of Eswatini for the hospitality accorded to the delegates attending the RTC Heads meeting. He conveyed apologies on behalf of Dr. Mugambi Mwirigi who was unable to attend the meeting due to other pressing official engagements. He urged the RTCs to continue building capacity in the region towards ensuring the development of professional, agile and customer centric Customs and Tax officials. Mr. Mukuriah highlighted the importance of professionalism in improving revenue collection, sealing revenue loopholes and promoting sustainable economic development in the region.

ROCB Director, Mrs. Josephine Manyasi, expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Eswatini for their warm hosting and hospitality. She expressed her appreciation to the Vice Chair (South Africa), RTCs and the RILO for their support towards implementing capacity building initiatives in the region. She informed the meeting that the ROCB continues to ensure capacity building initiatives are delivered and that the regional strategy 2025-28 will be executed successfully. Mrs. Manyasi informed the meeting that the Regional Strategy Implementation Work Plan had been developed and will be ratified in the upcoming 42nd RSG and adopted by the 32nd Governing Council. She conveyed her best wishes for fruitful deliberations and successful outcomes from the RTC Heads meeting.

The RILO Head, Mr. Sitheni Ncube, thanked the government and people of the Kingdom of Eswatini through Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) for hosting the meeting. He highlighted the important role that the RILO plays in information/intelligence sharing in the region and globally. This is especially crucial in curbing illicit trade and protecting the society. He further pointed out that the meeting offers a good opportunity to deliberate and make conclusive recommendations.



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3rd & 4th November 2025. The meeting of the WCO ESA RTC Heads, ROCB, and RILO is currently under way,…

29/10/2025

Regional Workshop on Harmonized System (HS)

28th to 30th October 2025

The three-day Harmonized System (HS) training is currently ongoing virtually and is being chaired by Mr. Sateedanand Ramburuth representing Mr Magen Maunikum, Head of RTC Mauritius (Section Head, Human Resources & Training Department & Acting Director of Customs, Mauritius Revenue Authority Mr. Rajendra Gupta Ramnarain.

Mr. Ramburuth delivered the opening remarks, expressing his gratitude to all participants for taking part in the Harmonized System (HS) workshop, organized by the RTC Mauritius in collaboration with the WCO ESA ROCB. He extended special thanks to Ms. Josephine Manyasi, Director of the WCO ESA ROCB, for graciously accepting their request to conduct this virtual training on the HS. Mr. Ramburuth highlighted that the curriculum was developed by RTC Mauritius to support capacity-building initiatives and address the specific needs of WCO ESA member administrations. He emphasized that the course aims to strengthen the expertise of Customs professionals, enhance their performance, and deepen their specialized knowledge of the Harmonized System.

Ms. Dolyn Mbogo, representing the WCO ESA ROCB, expressed her appreciation to the Mauritius Revenue Authority for planning and hosting the workshop. She underscored that, as one of the cornerstones of Customs operations, the Harmonized System (HS) remains critical to international trade and Customs administration. She emphasized that a proper understanding and application of the HS is essential for accurate tariff classification, effective trade facilitation, and deeper regional integration across the ESA region.
Our experts on Harmonized system were Mr. Hafizullah Mahamoodally, Ms, Zaynab Nundloll & Ms. Natasha Dusoye.

28/10/2025

The ESA Regional Management (MC) Meeting – Pretoria, South Africa.

28th & 29th October 2025

The WCO ESA Regional Management Committee (MC) meeting is underway, hosted by the South Africa Revenue Services (SARS) in Pretoria, South Africa. The meeting was attended by Prof. Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner and Vice Chair of the WCO ESA Region, South Africa; Mr. Carl Scholtz, Deputy Commissioner, Enterprise Strategy and Modernization, South Africa; Mr. Beyers Theron, Director, Customs Border Operations, Ports of Entry and Customs Compliance, South Africa; Dr. Lainkana Zafivanona Ernest, Director General, Madagascar, and ESA Region Deputy Vice Chair; Mr. David Ontweka, Deputy Commissioner, Policy and International Affairs and additional Member to the Policy Commission, Kenya; Ms. Ethel Chitanda, the Finance and Governance Committee (FGC) Chair; and Mr. Innocent Bamusi, the deputy chair of the ESA Region Strategy Working Group, Malawi. SARS was further represented in the meeting by Ms. Thabile Ntombela, Head of International Cooperation and Mr. Patrick Tshikosi, Business Area Lead, Customs International & Inter-agency Programmes. The WCO ESA ROCB was represented by Ms. Josephine Manyasi, the Director and Ms. Faith Mosongo, Programmes Office.

Opening remarks delivered are highlighted as follows:

Prof. Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner and Vice Chair of the WCO ESA Region, welcomed participants to Pretoria, South Africa. He acknowledged the delegates joining the meeting virtually including the ESA deputy vice chair, Dr. Ernest Lainkana, Madagascar; FGC Chair, Ms. Ethel Chitanda, Zimbabwe; and the Deputy Chair of the Strategy Working Group, Mr. Innocent Bamusi. He reminded the delegates of the important role played by Customs in protecting and safeguarding the wellbeing of the society, revenue collection and facilitation of legitimate trade. He addressed the challenges facing the global family including wars and conflicts that have caused untold grief, suffering, loss of life, starvation and resulted in other natural calamities including retaliation terrorism. He emphasized the evolving role of Customs in a changing world. Prof. Kieswetter called for stronger collaboration in the ESA region towards the successful implementation of the new regional strategy 2025-28 and encouraged Members to embrace data supported decision making that is based on facts while leveraging on emerging technologies to facilitate the collection of information and intelligence. He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to providing the region with leadership that is anchored on transparency, prudency and integrity. Lastly, he highlighted the urgent need to work towards acquiring the regional Customs laboratory and the Regional Dog Training Centre and urged the region to leverage on existing regional entities, regional economic communities and mutually beneficial partnerships for sustainable economic development.

The WCO ESA ROCB Director, Mrs. Josephine Manyasi, welcomed the members of the ESA Regional Management Committee (MC) and thanked South Africa for hosting the MC meeting. She appreciated the support of the Vice Chair’s Office towards the delivery of various capacity building activities during the reporting period. The Director pointed out that the ROCB remained committed to seeing the delivery of various capacity building activities in line with the regional strategic objectives: Efficient Trade Facilitation and Integration; Sustainable Revenue Mobilization & Digitalization; Protection of Society and the Environment; and enhancing Professionalism and Integrity within the twenty four(24) Member administrations by leveraging beneficial Partnerships. To this end, the ROCB has developed the implementation Work Plan that will guide the Implementation of the regional strategy 2025-28.

Read more 👉https://www.wcoesarocb.org/the-esa-regional-management-mc-meeting-pretoria-south-africa/

24/10/2025

29th Finance & Governance Committee (FGC)

23rd & 24th October 2025

The 29th Finance and Governance Committee (FGC) meeting of the WCO ESA Regional Office for Capacity Building, is underway in Pretoria, South Africa, hosted by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The meeting is chaired by Mrs. Ethel Chitanda from Zimbabwe Revenue Authority - ZIMRA and attended by Heads of Finance from the Revenue Services Lesotho , Zambia Revenue Authority and Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR). The two-day session brings together regional finance experts to deliberate on strategic financial governance priorities, including the review of the 2025/2026 mid-year financial statements and the evaluation of key financial and administrative policies that underpin the region’s fiscal sustainability.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Chitanda, the FGC Chair, thanked the members for their continued unwavering support to the region and expressed appreciation to the host administration for the warm hospitality. She reaffirmed the FGC’s commitment to strengthening the financial governance framework that underpins the effective delivery of WCO ESA programmes.

Mrs. Josephine Manyasi ‘ndc’(K), Director of the WCO ESA ROCB, commended members for their leadership and commitment to advancing financial accountability, transparency, and institutional resilience across the region.

The FGC continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s financial governance framework and ensuring the alignment of fiscal strategies with the WCO ESA Region’s long-term objectives.

16/10/2025

BEYOND THE FRONTIERS: Advancing Digitalised, Inclusive & Customer Centric Revenue Administration,

📍Nairobi Kenya
🗓14th -15th October 2025

The WCO ESA ROCB Director and representatives attended the 11th Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Summit 2025 themed “Beyond the frontiers: advancing digitalised, inclusive & customer centric revenue administration” which brought together different key stakeholders.

Among many discussions in relation to revenue administrations, the summit highlighted on the importance of digital infrastructure across agencies and borders. The discussion examined cross-border data sharing and system interoperability, emphasizing the need for integrated digital platforms to enhance efficiency and transparency.

The summit explored the use of big data in Customs, highlighting how advanced analytics and artificial intelligence are improving risk assessment, trade facilitation, and fraud detection. The plenary discussion underscored the importance of enhancing the joint coordinated border management practices in relation to smuggling and illicit trade, policy intervention and legal framework on data protection and insights in encouraging voluntary compliance.

16/10/2025

Dive into the latest developments across the ESA region! 🚀

Our October–December 2025 Newsletter highlights key achievements, regional initiatives, and success stories shaping the future of Customs in East and Southern Africa.

🔗 https://www.wcoesarocb.org/newsletters/

09/10/2025

Happy Mazingira Day, Kenya!

Kenya Revenue Authority