The Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), Veronica Nduva, has called on customs authorities in the region to adopt advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to modernize customs operations and facilitate trade across Partner States.
Speaking during the International Customs Day celebrations at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Nduva emphasized the significant role of the Customs Union in promoting regional integration.
“The Customs Union, being the first pillar of EAC integration, has enabled the seamless flow of goods, reduced trade barriers, and strengthened economic cooperation among Partner States in practical ways,” she said.
Nduva noted that the efficient operation of the Customs ecosystem has delivered substantial benefits, including the elimination of intra-regional tariffs, enabling the free movement of goods among Partner States.
“As a result, intra-EAC trade has significantly grown due to reduced trade barriers. The EAC Trade and Investment Report indicates rising trade volumes, with key exports including agricultural products, manufactured goods, and petroleum products,” she added.
She revealed that the EAC’s total trade with the rest of the world rose to USD 80.6 billion in 2023, up from USD 78.7 billion in 2022.
“Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) grew from USD 3.7 billion in 2013 to USD 12.9 billion in 2021, reflecting increased confidence in the region’s trade systems,” she said.
Nduva highlighted the implementation of the Common External Tariff (CET), which has helped regulate imports from outside the EAC, protecting local industries. She also applauded the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) for assisting small-scale cross-border traders.
“Traders with goods valued below $2,000 enjoy a simplified, hassle-free clearance process with assistance from customs officials stationed at our border stations,” said Nduva.
She commended the introduction of regional electronic cargo tracking systems (RECTS) and the single customs territory (SCT), which have curbed smuggling, increased tax revenues, and enhanced transparency.
Calling for greater public engagement, she stated, “Integration in East Africa is essentially about the people at the grassroots. Customs authorities must demystify procedures and explain them in simpler terms to stakeholders and the public.”
The President of the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations, Charles Rubaale Mwebembezi, assured the private sector’s commitment to improving customs systems.
“We will continue to audit customs systems to ensure they become better. Our association will vouch for the simplification of customs procedures, reducing delays, eradicating corruption, and promoting public-private partnerships,” he said.
Alban Odhiambo, Senior Advisor for Trade and Infrastructure at the Tony Blair Institute, stressed the need for a mindset change alongside adopting new technologies.
“There has been a challenge at the borders whereby problems including congestions of trucks and delays persist, even in instances where new technologies have been put in place,” he remarked.
Nduva concluded by emphasizing the evolving role of customs officers in ensuring trade security and fostering public awareness.
“Their responsibilities now encompass raising public awareness and building capacity to promote a deeper understanding of trade regulations and fostering greater cooperation among stakeholders,” she noted.
The event showcased the importance of leveraging modern technologies to streamline customs operations and deepen trade integration in East Africa.
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