The New Kasumbalesa Customs Building: A Symbol of Modernity and Efficiency in the Fight Against Fraud
Kasumbalesa, the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, has long been the preferred crossing point for cross-border trade. However, this important economic activity has also been the scene of customs fraud and smuggling. This is why the President of the Republic, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, took the decision to modernize the border post and fight against these illegal practices.
With this in mind, a modern customs building of 2,600 square meters was built in Kasumbalesa. This imposing infrastructure houses all the services necessary for the proper functioning of the customs post. In addition, infrastructure works such as a reinforced concrete bypass road, a cross-border corridor, bonded warehouses, import-export parking lots and accommodation for customs officers have also been carried out.
This modernization was made possible thanks to a partnership between the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) and the company TRAFIGO SARL, headed by Madame Magalie Kayitesa Raway, a Congolese entrepreneur. TRAFIGO SARL has implemented a reliable and secure system for maximizing customs revenue at the Kasumbalesa post, thus making it possible to effectively combat fraud and smuggling.
Thanks to this system, payments for cross-border crossings are made electronically, which guarantees total transparency in customs operations. This measure allowed the DGDA to increase its revenue significantly, with an average increase of 700 to 1,000%. This success is the result of efficient software for traceability and collection of taxes and royalties, as well as transparent management integrated into the banking system.
This success is hailed as an example to follow in the fight against customs fraud and the maximization of state revenue. In addition, this public-private partnership highlights Congolese female entrepreneurship, a priority for President Tshisekedi. By supporting and encouraging women entrepreneurs such as Magalie Kayitesa Raway, the President wishes to promote positive masculinity and promote the socio-economic development of the country.
The inauguration of this new customs building and associated infrastructure marks a crucial step forward in the fight against fraud and smuggling at the Kasumbalesa border. Thanks to efficient management of customs operations and the maximization of state revenues, this border post becomes a symbol of modernity and efficiency serving the economic development of the Democratic Republic of Congo.