Title: The modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post: a major step forward in the fight against customs fraud in the DRC
Introduction :
The fight against customs fraud and smuggling constitutes a major challenge for the Congolese state. With this in mind, Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Republic, recently inaugurated the new customs infrastructure at Kasumbalesa, on the border with Zambia. This modernization project was carried out by the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) in partnership with the company TRAFIGO SARL. This initiative aims to improve state revenue and strengthen the fight against customs fraud, while promoting the development of cross-border trade.
Modern infrastructure to combat customs fraud:
The new Kasumbalesa customs post has a modern 2,600 square meter building, housing the services involved and equipped with state-of-the-art operational equipment. It also includes an 8-kilometer reinforced concrete bypass road, bonded warehouses, large-capacity import-export parking lots and accommodation for customs officers. This infrastructure will speed up the processing of customs files and optimize vehicle turnover speed, thus contributing to maximizing state revenue.
The TRAFIGO SARL system: efficient management of customs revenue:
TRAFIGO SARL, a Congolese company headed by Magali Kayitesi Raway, played a vital role in the modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post. Thanks to a reliable and secure system, 100% Congolese, TRAFIGO SARL has enabled the DGDA to maximize its customs revenue. This system includes efficient software for traceability and collection of taxes and fees, transparent procedures integrated into the banking system, as well as a management policy focused on ethics and training of human resources. From its first year of implementation, this system made it possible to increase the DGDA’s revenues by 700 to 1,000%. A success which makes Kasumbalesa an example in the fight against customs fraud in the sub-region.
Positive impacts for economic development:
The modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post is not limited to the fight against customs fraud. It also aims to facilitate cross-border trade and promote economic development. By optimizing customs procedures and securing state revenues, this initiative will help boost trade with Zambia and the whole of southern Africa. In addition, the success of this project highlights Congolese female entrepreneurship, with Magali Kayitesi Raway at the head of TRAFIGO SARL. This collaboration between the public and private sectors illustrates President Tshisekedi’s vision for the empowerment of women and the promotion of entrepreneurship in the DRC.
Conclusion :
The modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post marks a major step forward in the fight against customs fraud in the DRC. Thanks to modern infrastructure and the TRAFIGO SARL system, the DGDA will be able to maximize its customs revenue and strengthen border security. This initiative will also promote economic development by facilitating cross-border trade. By supporting Congolese female entrepreneurship, this modernization illustrates President Tshisekedi’s vision for the promotion of gender equality and economic growth.