The importance of modernizing the Kasumbalesa customs post
The Kasumbalesa customs post, located on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, recently underwent a major upgrade. This initiative was led by the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) in collaboration with the company TRAFIGO SARL, managed by Magalie Kayitesi Raway.
This modernization, inaugurated by the President of the Republic Félix Tshisekedi, includes the construction of a modern building of 2,600 square meters housing the customs services, as well as the establishment of an 8-kilometer bypass road, warehouses and parkings. The objective of this modernization is to promote speed in the processing of customs files and to optimize the collection of State revenue.
Thanks to the system put in place by TRAFIGO SARL, users of the Kasumbalesa border now have the possibility of paying crossing fees electronically. This system allows the DGDA to receive payments in real time via the ASYCUDA platform, thus ensuring increased transparency in the collection of customs revenue.
The implementation of this system has already shown significant results, with an average increase in customs revenue of 700 to 1,000% from the first year of implementation. This success demonstrates the effectiveness of the traceability and tax collection system put in place by TRAFIGO SARL, as well as the management policy focused on ethics and training of human resources.
The impact of this modernization is not limited to the collection of customs revenue, it also contributes to facilitating cross-border trade and stimulating the development of the region. By creating a more efficient and transparent environment, this project is part of President Tshisekedi’s desire to promote Congolese female entrepreneurship and maximize state revenue.
The modernization of the Kasumbalesa customs post is therefore a concrete example of the fight against customs fraud and smuggling, while promoting the economic development of the region. This initiative should serve as a model for other customs posts and strengthen the confidence of national and international investors in trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo.