Regional collaboration and digital tools key in combating illicit trade in East and Southern Africa

THE fight against cross-border crimes, including illicit trade and revenue leakages in East and Southern Africa (ESA) requires enhanced co-operation between customs authorities and law enforcement agencies, including the use of sophisticated digital tools, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra)

Commissioner-General, Ms Regina Chinamasa has said.

In her welcome remarks at the official opening of the 21st Administrative Meeting for the National Contact Points (NCPs) for World Customs Organisation (WCO) Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for the East and Southern Africa (Rilo-ESA) forum in Victoria Falls yesterday, Ms Chinamasa, represented by Mr Adrian Swarres, Zimra’s Head of Compliance, reaffirmed Zimra’s commitment to ensuring that Rilo-ESA effectively serves as the focal point for intelligence analysis and liaison.

“The Rilo-ESA has in several meetings lamented over the low usage of WCO enforcement tools in the region. I am hoping that this is now improving and I would like to encourage NCPs here to ensure that we effectively use all platforms available to fight illicit trade in the region,” she said.

The meeting is being attended by various border stakeholders that include customs authorities, Interpol, SADC, Rilo Western Europe and WCO based in Brussels.

The delegates were drawn from the East and Southern Africa region, SADC and beyond.

The WCO’s 2023 Illicit Trade Report (ITR), produced through collaboration among the WCO Secretariat, Rilo and WCO members, was highlighted during the forum.

The report provides an in-depth analysis of seizure data and case studies, identifying key areas of focus such as cultural heritage, drugs, anti-money laundering and security.

The information captured in the ITR provides essential insights regarding the occurrences of illicit trade, thereby assisting customs administrations in understanding the trends and patterns leading to enlightened decisions to secure cross-border trade.

The report complements WCO’s theme for 2024: “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.

Ms Chinamasa emphasised the importance of contributing to the ITR to share critical information across the region.

“Plugging revenue leakages is a collective responsibility. In line with the Rilo-ESA theme 2024 “Connecting the Globe through Intel Sharing with Old Partners and simultaneously creating New Ones with a purpose”, I say no one is self-sufficient, everyone relies on others and that includes the Rilo-ESA office,” she said.

Ms Chinamasa stressed that co-operation with other customs administrations and law enforcement agencies is crucial for effective customs enforcement.

“From this perspective, co-operation with other customs administration and with other law enforcement agencies is the prerequisites for proper law enforcement in the field of customs. A crucial part of this co-operation is sharing of information,” she said.

Ms Chinamasa noted that Zimra has been implementing strategies to improve border management and trade facilitation, including the deployment of drones at border posts to curb illicit activities.

She also underscored the significance of information and intelligence exchange in combating illicit trade.

Ms Chinamasa warned against isolation, stating that the region cannot progress without co-operation among member states.

Mr Ousmane Coundoul, representing the WCO, echoed the same sentiments, highlighting the importance of intelligence sharing in addressing the complex and evolving challenges of illicit trade.

“The challenges we face, whether in combating illicit trade, protecting revenue or ensuring the safety and security of our societies, are multifaceted and constantly evolving. No single agency or organisation can tackle these issues in isolation,” he said.

“Intelligence sharing is the cornerstone of effective enforcement. It enables us to connect the dots across borders to anticipate and disrupt illicit activities before they can cause harm.”

Mr Coundoul commended the Rilo network for its critical role in facilitating intelligence sharing between customs administrations worldwide, which enables authorities to anticipate and disrupt illicit activities before they cause harm.

He said in the increasingly complex and interconnected world, the importance of intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies and all partners engaged in enforcement activities is crucial.

Mr Coundoul said through collaboration, they gain access to a broader range of information, perspectives and expertise, all of which are essential in formulating comprehensive strategies and responses.

“The Rilo network, operating under the WCO global information and intelligence strategy, is uniquely positioned to facilitate this vital exchange of Information,” he said.

The delegates agreed on the need for continued collaboration and the adoption of advanced digital tools to safeguard fiscal revenue and sustain legitimate international supply chains.

The forum’s outcomes are expected to bolster the region’s capacity to combat cross-border crimes effectively.

The event not only highlighted the significance of regional co-operation but also reinforced the importance of intelligence-driven strategies in the ongoing efforts to secure cross-border trade in East and Southern Africa.

—@ncubeleon