Title: The modernization of the Kasumbalesa customs post: an example of the fight against fraud and maximization of revenue in the DRC
Introduction:
The border between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia is known to be a strategic point in terms of trade and cross-border exchanges. However, customs fraud and smuggling represented a real challenge for the authorities. Fortunately, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo has launched a relentless fight against these fraudulent practices. With this in mind, the Kasumbalesa Customs Station recently underwent a remarkable modernization, aimed at improving efficiency and maximizing state revenue. In this article, we will take a closer look at these efforts and the promising results achieved through this project.
The modernization of the Kasumbalesa customs post:
Under the leadership of President Tshisekedi, a modern building of 2,600 square meters was built on the Kasumbalesa border. This set of infrastructure also includes an 8-kilometer reinforced concrete bypass road, bonded warehouses, import-export parking lots and housing for customs officers. This modernization aims to speed up the processing of customs files and facilitate the flow of vehicles.
The role of the DGDA and TRAFIGO SARL:
The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGDA) played an essential role in the realization of this project. Thanks to a partnership with the company TRAFIGO SARL, led by Magalie Kayitesa Raway, a Congolese entrepreneur, the DGDA mobilized the necessary capital for the construction of the infrastructure. TRAFIGO SARL has implemented a reliable and secure electronic system to maximize customs revenue. This system made it possible to increase the DGDA’s revenues spectacularly from its first year of implementation.
The remarkable results:
Thanks to the implementation of the customs revenue maximization system in Kasumbalesa, the DGDA has seen its revenue increase on average by 700 to 1,000%. This exceptional performance is the result of efficient tax and royalty traceability software, transparent procedures integrated into the banking system and a management policy focused on ethics and human resources training. The increase in secure revenues made it possible to respond to the challenges of the Kasumbalesa border and facilitate cross-border trade.
An example to follow :
The modernization of the Kasumbalesa customs post is considered a textbook case in the fight against customs fraud in the sub-region. In addition to improving the efficiency of customs operations, this project demonstrates President Tshisekedi’s desire to promote female entrepreneurship in the DRC.. Magali Kayitesi Raway, as a Congolese entrepreneur at the head of TRAFIGO SARL, was able to successfully meet this challenge.
Conclusion :
The modernization of the Kasumbalesa customs post on the border between the DRC and Zambia is a laudable example of combating customs fraud and maximizing state revenue. Thanks to the implementation of an efficient and secure electronic system, the DGDA has succeeded in considerably increasing its revenue. This project is also a real success for Congolese female entrepreneurship and demonstrates President Tshisekedi’s desire to promote economic inclusion. This is an example to follow in the region to improve the efficiency of customs operations and guarantee the security of trade.