The modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a significant step towards combating customs fraud and maximizing state revenue. Thanks to a partnership between the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) and the Congolese company TRAFIGO SARL managed by Magalie Kayitesa Raway, this project enabled the construction of a new building as well as other customs infrastructure, such as a bypass road and bonded warehouses.
The objective of this modernization is to improve the speed of processing customs files and accelerate the flow of vehicles at the Kasumbalesa post. Thanks to a reliable and secure electronic system, 100% of border users now use this system to pay crossing fees. The DGDA receives payments in real time using the ASYCUDA platform.
This system allowed the DGDA to increase its revenue significantly from the first year of implementation, with an average increase of 700 to 1,000%. This is a concrete example of the fight against the leakage of revenues in customs operations, not only in the DRC but also throughout the sub-region.
This success is all the more remarkable as this project was carried out thanks to the DGDA’s own capital and the partnership with TRAFIGO SARL. The company led by Magalie Kayitesa Raway was able to meet this challenge by obtaining pre-financing of the infrastructure from local banks, which has been fully reimbursed to date.
In addition to modernizing the border post, this initiative also helped promote Congolese female entrepreneurship. Magalie Kayitesa Raway, as a female entrepreneur, was encouraged by the President of the Republic, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, to continue her efforts and obtain concrete results. This success is a demonstration of the potential of Congolese women in the economic sector and of the government’s desire to promote gender equality.
The modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post therefore represents a real textbook case in terms of maximizing customs revenue and involving female entrepreneurship. This successful experience could serve as a model for other customs posts in the DRC and the region.
In conclusion, the modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post demonstrates the Congolese government’s desire to fight against customs fraud and optimize state revenue. Thanks to a public-private partnership and the involvement of women entrepreneurs, this initiative helped improve customs procedures and maximize revenues. She represents an example to follow to promote economic development and gender equality in the DRC.