A new era of customs modernity in Kasumbalesa, with the inauguration of cutting-edge infrastructure by President Félix Tshisekedi
Kasumbalesa, a border post between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, now has modern customs infrastructure following the inauguration of a range of facilities by President Félix Tshisekedi. This ambitious project, carried out by the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA), aims to fight against fraud and smuggling while maximizing State revenue under optimal conditions.
At the heart of these infrastructures is an imposing 2,600 square meter building, equipped with all the necessary technologies and materials, which houses the customs services. But that’s not all, the project also includes an 8-kilometer reinforced concrete bypass road, a cross-border corridor, bonded warehouses, two import-export parking lots capable of accommodating 1,500 trucks, as well as housing for customs officers.
For Bernard Kabese, Director General of the DGDA, this modernization will speed up the processing of customs files and optimize vehicle circulation. This project was entirely financed by the DGDA in partnership with the Congolese company TRAFIGO SARL, managed by Madame Magalie Kayitesa Raway, who set up a 100% Congolese system to maximize customs revenue in Kasumbalesa.
Since its implementation, this anti-leakage system has enabled the DGDA to increase its revenues by 700 to 1,000% in the first year. It is based on efficient software for traceability and collection of taxes and fees, transparent procedures integrated into the banking system, as well as management based on ethics and training of human resources. Payments for cross-border crossings are now made electronically via the ASYCUDA platform, ensuring the secure channeling of state revenue.
This exemplary project in Kasumbalesa is hailed as a real model in the fight against customs fraud in the sub-region. It also demonstrates the desire of President Félix Tshisekedi to promote Congolese female entrepreneurship, with the success of TRAFIGO SARL led by Magali Kayitesi Raway.
This remarkable initiative not only strengthens the empowerment of women entrepreneurs but also contributes to the development of the region and facilitates cross-border trade. The inhabitants of Kasumbalesa and all of southern Africa are delighted with this successful Congolese experience, the result of a public-private partnership aligned with the vision of President Félix Tshisekedi for the development and prosperity of the nation.
In short, this inauguration marks a new era for Congolese customs, highlighting the efficiency, transparency and modernization of customs operations in Kasumbalesa.. This project demonstrates the government’s desire to fight fraud and smuggling, while maximizing state revenue to promote the country’s economic development. Thanks to this fruitful partnership with TRAFIGO SARL, the DGDA is now equipped with a reliable and secure system, allowing optimal management of customs revenue.