Title: Maximizing customs revenue through the modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post
Introduction :
The fight against customs fraud and smuggling is a priority for the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo. With this in mind, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGDA) has carried out a major modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post, on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. Thanks to this initiative, not only are customs procedures accelerated, but state revenues are maximized under optimal conditions. In this article, we will explore the details of this modernization and the positive impact it has had on customs revenue collection.
An imposing building for efficient management of customs operations:
The new Kasumbalesa customs building is a modern 2,600 square meter building, equipped with all the necessary equipment to facilitate customs operations. This imposing construction houses the services involved and allows efficient management of customs files. In addition, the border post has been equipped with additional infrastructure such as an 8-kilometer reinforced concrete bypass road, bonded warehouses, import-export parking lots and accommodation for customs officers.
The fruitful collaboration between the DGDA and TRAFIGO SARL:
The DGDA carried out this project with its own resources thanks to its partnership with the Congolese company TRAFIGO SARL. Under the direction of Magalie Kayitesa Raway, this company has established a reliable and secure system for maximizing customs revenue at the Kasumbalesa post. Thanks to efficient tax and royalty traceability software, transparent procedures integrated into the banking system and management focused on ethics and human resources training, this system has made it possible to significantly increase customs revenue from the first year of implementation.
Concrete results and an effective fight against fraud:
Thanks to this revenue management system, the DGDA has seen its revenue increase on average by 700 to 1,000%. The modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post has therefore made it possible to effectively combat the leakage of customs revenues in the sub-region. Border users now massively use the electronic system to pay crossing fees, which guarantees transparency and speed in the processing of customs files.
A success of Congolese female entrepreneurship:
This modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post is also an illustration of Congolese female entrepreneurship, supported by President Félix Tshisekedi. Magalie Kayitesa Raway, at the head of TRAFIGO SARL, was able to successfully meet the challenge by obtaining the support of local banks for the pre-financing of these infrastructures, which have been fully reimbursed to date. This success is an inspiring example to follow and duplicate in other customs posts in the country.
Conclusion :
The modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post is a concrete example of President Félix Tshisekedi’s desire to fight against customs fraud and maximize state revenue. Thanks to a successful partnership between the DGDA and TRAFIGO SARL, customs procedures are accelerated, revenues increase significantly and transparency is ensured. This success also illustrates Congolese female entrepreneurship and opens the way to promising new initiatives. The modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post is an important step towards the economic development and prosperity of the Democratic Republic of Congo.