WCO ESA Regional Office for Capacity Building - ROCB

10/11/2026

WCO ESA Regional Entities Strengthen Coordination and Impact Measurement in Capacity Building

The regional entities of the World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa (WCO ESA) Region convened in Salima, Malawi, on 9–10 November 2026, to strengthen coordination in the delivery of training and technical assistance to Member Customs Administrations. Hosted by the Malawi Revenue Authority, the meeting brought together the four Regional Training Centres (RTCs) in Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa and Zimbabwe, the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO ESA) and the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB).

The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration among the regional entities to advance implementation of the WCO ESA Regional Strategy 2025–2028, with emphasis on joint planning, effective utilisation of regional expertise and measuring the impact of capacity-building interventions.

On behalf of the Malawi Revenue Authority, Ms. Chipiliro Masanjala, Deputy Commissioner for Customs and Excise Facilitation, welcomed delegates to Malawi and expressed her administration's pleasure in hosting the regional meetings. She assured delegates of Malawi's warm hospitality and wished them productive deliberations.

In her opening remarks, the Chairperson, Ms. Alice Nyamugama, Head of RTC Zimbabwe, acknowledged the continued collaboration among the regional entities in pooling expertise and resources to support Member Administrations.

Ms. Josephine Manyasi, Director of the WCO ESA ROCB, emphasised the importance of aligning regional capacity-building initiatives with Members' priorities, the WCO Capacity-Building Paradigm and relevant WCO standards and tools. She highlighted the complementary roles of the regional entities in coordinating and delivering responsive technical support.

Strengthening Coordination and Regional Capacity-Building Delivery

The ESA regional entities explored opportunities to strengthen joint planning, share expertise and resources, and coordinate the delivery of capacity-building activities to address common needs across Member Administrations while minimising duplication of efforts.

The regional entities also examined opportunities to strengthen the existing RTC reporting framework to better capture capacity-building activities, expected outcomes and their contribution to regional priorities. The discussions highlighted the importance of consistent reporting to support coordination, identify gaps and inform future interventions.

Advancing Impact-Driven Capacity Building
Recognising the importance of demonstrating the value of capacity-building interventions, the regional entities emphasised the need to move beyond measuring training participation towards assessing the practical application of acquired skills and their contribution to improved Customs operations.

In line with the WCO Capacity-Building Paradigm, the regional entities explored opportunities to strengthen post-training follow-up and impact assessment to better understand how acquired knowledge and skills are applied in the workplace.

Such an approach would support evidence-based planning, identify areas requiring further technical assistance and help ensure that regional capacity-building initiatives contribute to measurable and sustainable improvements in Customs operations.

Promoting Knowledge Sharing Through the Regional Compendium on Training Strategies

The regional entities also reviewed progress on the development of the Regional Compendium on Training Strategies, an initiative aimed at documenting and sharing practical experiences, innovative approaches and good practices in Customs training across the Region.

Discussions included a proposal to establish a review committee comprising representatives of the RTCs to assess submitted articles, provide feedback to contributing Member Administrations and guide their revision and resubmission in accordance with the agreed format and objectives of the Compendium.

Once finalised, the Compendium is expected to serve as a regional knowledge-sharing resource, enabling Member Administrations to learn from one another and adapt successful training approaches to their respective contexts.

Advancing AfCFTA Implementation Through a Joint Customs Curriculum

The regional entities further highlighted the ongoing development of a joint Customs training curriculum to support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with RTC Kenya taking the lead in collaboration with the other RTCs, ROCB and relevant stakeholders.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the technical capacity of Customs officers in the application of AfCFTA procedures, particularly rules of origin, verification of proof of origin and preferential tariff treatment.

By drawing on regional expertise, operational experiences and relevant WCO instruments, the joint curriculum is expected to promote more consistent application of AfCFTA requirements and strengthen the capacity of Member Administrations to facilitate trade under the Agreement.

The engagement underscored the importance of continued collaboration among the RTCs, RILO ESA and ROCB in strengthening regional coordination, promoting knowledge sharing and advancing responsive and results-oriented capacity building in support of the WCO ESA Regional Strategy 2025–2028.

09/11/2026

The WCO strengthens Risk Management capacity in Botswana 🇧🇼

The World Customs Organization (WCO) delivered a five-day National Workshop on Risk Management for the Botswana Unified Revenue Service - BURS in view of supporting BURS in its capacity building efforts to better serve and protect society.

Bringing together 37 officials from headquarters and regional offices of BURS, the workshop aimed at strengthening their skills and knowledge in risk governance, risk management processes, risk-based Customs controls, cooperation and coordination, as well as information exchange and performance measurement, in line with BURS’s broader Customs modernization and digital trade transformation goals.

Through technical sessions, group discussions and practical exercises, participants enhanced their capacity to apply WCO tools and approaches to risk profiling, data integration, performance measurement, intelligence-led enforcement, and the management of passenger, cargo and e-commerce risks. A field visit was also organized to the Tlokweng Border Post where participants could connect their newly acquired theoretical knowledge with frontline operations.

More effective risk management will enable BURS to better target high-risk movements while facilitating legitimate trade, protecting revenue, strengthening border security and safeguarding supply-chain integrity.

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

Strengthening Green Customs Capacity for Safe and Efficient Trade in the ESA Region

The World Customs Organization (WCO) East and Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (WCO ESA ROCB) participated in the Green Customs Module IV Training Workshop, organised by the WCO Regional Training Centre in Kenya (RTC Kenya) in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the Facilitation of Safe and Efficient Green Trade project.

Held from 4–6 November 2026 at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, the workshop marked the final phase of the project, jointly implemented by GIZ, the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), RTC Kenya and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

The workshop strengthened the capacity of public and private sector stakeholders to apply regulatory requirements when clearing environmentally sensitive commodities (ESCs) at the border. These commodities include hazardous chemicals and pesticides, ozone-depleting substances, electronic waste, and specimens of endangered species. Their trade is subject to controls under relevant multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and national legislation.

Through interactive presentations, practical exercises, case studies and inter-agency discussions, participants explored how to facilitate legitimate trade while enforcing environmental controls. The training focused on the Rotterdam Convention and its Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade. Participants also examined how to identify and classify these goods and apply the relevant national and international requirements.

The workshop highlighted the importance of coordination between Customs and partner government agencies in verifying compliance and targeting controls at higher-risk consignments while facilitating the clearance of compliant goods.

For the WCO ESA ROCB, the workshop supported the ESA Regional Strategy 2025–2028 objective of protecting society and the environment. It also demonstrated how regional training can help Member administrations strengthen cooperation among border agencies and apply risk-based controls to environmentally sensitive goods.

Kenya School of Revenue Administration less

09/11/2026

MRA is hosting 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 (𝗪𝗖𝗢 𝗘𝗦𝗔) regional meetings comprising 24 countries from 5th to 13th November, 2026.

07/11/2026

WCO ESA Finance and Governance Committee Focuses on Accountability and Sustainable Regional Delivery

The World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa (WCO ESA) Region convened its 31st Finance and Governance Committee (FGC) Meeting from 5th –6th November 2026 at Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima, Malawi. Hosted by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), the half-year meeting focused on strengthening financial oversight, institutional accountability and sustainable financing to support regional priorities.

The meeting was chaired by Zambia represented by Mr. Charles Chilebe, on behalf of Zimbabwe represented by Mrs. Ethel Chitanda, the substantive Chairperson, who participated virtually. Other Member Administrations represented were Burundi, by Mr. Dieudonne Nduwayezu, and Tanzania, by Ms. Gloria Mwaiseje. The meeting was coordinated by the WCO ESA Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB), serving as Secretariat and led by its Director, Ms. Josephine Manyasi, with the participation of Finance Manager Ms. Clemence Wawuda.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Chilebe thanked Member Administrations for making their experts available to support the Committee’s work. He acknowledged Lesotho’s contribution as the outgoing Committee Member and welcomed Tanzania as the incoming Member, expressing confidence in its contribution to regional financial oversight and governance. He also thanked the MRA for its hospitality and the arrangements made for the meeting.

The Chairperson encouraged active participation and open, constructive and candid discussions. He emphasised the Committee’s collective responsibility for strengthening financial management, accountability and good governance, while supporting the long-term financial sustainability of the ROCB and the Region.

In her remarks, Ms. Manyasi expressed appreciation for the Committee’s continued oversight and guidance. She highlighted the Region’s five core functions: policy and representation; coordination and implementation; capacity building and technical assistance; cooperation and partnership; and governance and accountability. Delivering these responsibilities, she emphasised, requires sustainable financing, prudent resource management and accountability for measurable results.

The Director reaffirmed the ROCB’s commitment to transparency, compliance with applicable financial and governance requirements, timely implementation of approved decisions and regular progress reporting. She encouraged the Committee to focus on clear institutional responsibilities and financing arrangements that strengthen the Region’s effectiveness in serving Member Administrations.

These opening messages framed deliberations on financial performance, budget ex*****on and resource utilisation. The Committee considered these areas in relation to approved regional priorities, efficient use of available resources and value for money. Its oversight supports informed advice to the ESA Governing Council on resource allocation and the financial sustainability of regional programmes and activities.

Audit oversight, risk management and internal controls also featured prominently. Discussions highlighted the importance of examining audit findings, monitoring corrective actions and maintaining reliable reporting mechanisms. Consistent follow-up on audit recommendations remains essential to safeguarding regional funds and assets and strengthening confidence in their management.

On governance and compliance, the Committee considered adherence to approved policies, clarity of institutional responsibilities and accountability across regional structures, including the ROCB. Its role in bringing emerging governance and ethical issues to the Governing Council’s attention supports timely guidance and corrective action.

The deliberations reinforced the link between sound governance and sustainable regional delivery. Through its advice to the Governing Council, the Committee will continue to support the alignment of regional ambitions with available resources, effective controls and measurable results for ESA Member Administrations.

07/11/2026

WCO ESA ROCB Advocates Stronger Cooperation for Smart, Secure and Seamless Borders at East Africa Border Security Week 2026

The World Customs Organization (WCO) East and Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB ESA) participated in the East Africa Border Security Week 2026, held from 3 th to 4th November 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Identity-Driven Smart Borders: Enabling Seamless Passenger Mobility and Secure Trade Facilitation in East Africa.”

The two-day conference brought together representatives from across Africa, including Customs and Immigration administrations, border security agencies, regional institutions, development partners and technology providers, to share experiences, exchange best practices and explore innovative approaches to strengthening border security while facilitating the seamless movement of people and goods.

Discussions explored technology-driven solutions in immigration and trade processes, digital identity management, intelligence-led border operations and Coordinated Border Management (CBM). Particular emphasis was placed on leveraging existing technologies, strengthening interagency collaboration and reimagining institutional processes to promote a more integrated, whole-of-government approach to border management.

Contributing to these discussions, the WCO ESA ROCB, represented by Programme Coordinator Ms. Dolyn Mbogo, delivered a presentation titled “From Silos to Smart Borders: Reimagining Our Cooperation for Secure and Seamless Trade.” The presentation highlighted the importance of building on existing regional initiatives, including One-Stop Border Posts, digital Customs systems and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programmes, to strengthen information sharing, coordinated risk management and operational cooperation among border agencies.

The engagement reinforced the need for African countries to move beyond individual institutional modernization towards more synchronized border management systems, where government agencies work collaboratively while respecting their respective mandates.

The conference provided a valuable platform for reflecting on Africa's progress and the opportunities ahead, emphasizing that achieving truly smart borders requires not only technological innovation, but also stronger institutional synergies, regional cooperation and shared responsibility for secure and seamless movement across borders.

02/11/2026

WCO supports Mozambique Customs 🇲🇿 in advancing data-driven risk management

WCO experts conducted a workshop in Maputo from 19 to 23 October 2026 to support the Mozambique Tax Authority (AT) in strengthening its risk management and selectivity practices. Drawing on their experience in India and Liberia and using the WCO Capacity Building Framework on Data Analytics, they provided guidance to members of the multidisciplinary Working Group and officials from different risk analysis units in developing a methodology tailored to Mozambique’s needs. The activity was organized under the WCO A-CIP Programme. Participants also discussed corruption related risks and considered how risk management reform could help mitigate them. A visit to the Ressano Garcia border crossing provided an opportunity to assess operational practices and identify enhancement opportunities in terms of processes, digitalization and supervision.

Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique - AT

27/10/2026

WCO ESA Management Committee Sets Strategic Direction for Stronger Governance and Regional Results

The World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa (WCO ESA) Region convened its Management Committee meeting from 21st–23rd October 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, hosted by the Regional Vice Chair, the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Participants included the Regional Deputy Vice Chair (Madagascar), the Region’s additional member of the WCO Policy Commission (Kenya), and the WCO ESA Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB), serving as the Secretariat. The meeting provided strategic direction for implementing the ESA Regional Strategy and translating Governing Council decisions into measurable results.

A key focus was the development of the WCO ESA Regional Governance Framework to strengthen institutional accountability, clarify the roles and responsibilities of regional structures, and enhance coordination among Member Administrations. The Committee reviewed consolidated Member inputs on leadership, representation, inclusivity and institutional arrangements.

The Committee also considered progress in operationalizing the Regional Partnership Model, approved in principle by the 32nd Governing Council. Discussions emphasized mechanisms for partnership coordination, resource mobilization and accountability, including the development of a donor management framework.

Alignment with the WCO’s strategic direction remained central to the deliberations. The Committee emphasized translating WCO initiatives, instruments and programmes into practical interventions responsive to ESA Members’ needs through closer engagement with the WCO Secretariat, active participation in WCO processes, and systematic identification and prioritization of capacity-building requirements.

The review of regional implementation covered trade facilitation, regional integration and Customs modernization. Particular attention was given to the Regional Technical Working Groups on Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) and Time Release Studies (TRS), highlighting their role in developing common approaches, sharing experience and supporting practical collaboration.

As part of the programme, SARS facilitated technical engagements showcasing its Customs modernization journey, including advances in intelligence-led risk management, integrated border management and the development of a Smart Border operating model. These engagements demonstrated how technology, institutional transformation and coordinated border processes can facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen compliance and enforcement.

The meeting reaffirmed the Region’s commitment to shared leadership and collective action. Its outcomes will inform preparations for the 44th Regional Steering Group meeting, scheduled for 11–13 November 2026 in Salima, Malawi, where Members will review progress and consider the next steps in delivering the regional agenda.