Modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post: a step towards customs efficiency
On October 3, the President of the Republic, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, inaugurated a set of modern infrastructures at the Kasumbalesa border post, located on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. This initiative is part of the Congolese head of state’s desire to fight customs fraud and smuggling while maximizing state revenue.
Among the infrastructures put in place, a modern building of 2,600 square meters now houses the customs services, equipped with all the necessary equipment to ensure efficient management of operations. In addition, an 8-kilometer bypass road was built in reinforced concrete, thus facilitating cross-border trade. Bonded warehouses, import-export parking lots that can accommodate up to 1,500 trucks, as well as accommodation for customs officers have also been developed.
This modernization was made possible thanks to the collaboration between the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) and the Congolese company TRAFIGO SARL, headed by Madam Magalie Kayitesa Raway. TRAFIGO SARL has developed an electronic system to improve the collection of customs taxes and fees, thus contributing to a significant increase in customs revenue.
Indeed, thanks to this system, payments for cross-border crossings are made in real time via the ASYCUDA platform, thus guaranteeing optimal traceability of receipts. The DGDA was able to see an average increase of 700 to 1,000% in its revenues from the first year of implementing this system.
This exemplary public-private partnership demonstrates President Tshisekedi’s desire to promote Congolese entrepreneurship, particularly that of women. Magali Kayitesi Raway was able to rise to the challenge and demonstrate that it is possible to maximize customs revenue in a transparent and secure manner, while contributing to the development of the region.
The modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post is a concrete example of combating revenue leakage and facilitating cross-border trade. This initiative should serve as a model for other customs posts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the sub-region, in order to ensure effective customs management and optimize state revenue.
President Tshisekedi’s vision, combined with the expertise and commitment of private partners like TRAFIGO SARL, paves the way for more transparent economic governance and sustainable development for the Democratic Republic of Congo.