Amb Omar calls for stronger customs role in era of AI and digital transformation
ZANZIBAR: CUSTOMS authorities have been urged to strengthen their role in protecting national economies while facilitating legitimate trade amid rapid changes in global commerce driven by technology and AI.
This was said yesterday by Minister for Finance, Amb Khamis Mussa Omar, while officially opening the 32nd meeting of the Governing Council of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Region, held in Zanzibar.
The meeting brought together delegates from 24 member countries across the region.
Amb Omar said Customs authorities must play an even greater role in protecting national economies and facilitating legitimate trade, especially at a time when global commerce is undergoing major transformation driven by rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, and emerging security challenges.
He stressed the importance of strengthening regional and international cooperation through modern digital systems, enhanced risk management frameworks, and the adoption of non-intrusive inspection technologies to improve efficiency in border control and revenue collection.
“Member states need to continue strengthening regional and international cooperation through modern digital systems, risk management, and the use of non-intrusive inspection technologies to improve efficiency in border control and revenue collection,” he said.
He further highlighted Tanzania’s long-standing role in the development of customs systems in East Africa, noting that the region has historically been a key hub of trade and among the earliest to establish formal customs administration, dating back to 1896.
On his part, TRA Commissioner General, Mr Yusuph Mwenda, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening regional cooperation in customs matters to enhance trade efficiency while safeguarding the national economy.
Mr Mwenda noted that Tanzania continues to serve as a vital gateway for trade and a trusted destination for investors and international partners. He added that ongoing global trade shifts driven by technology, e-commerce, and AI require robust customs systems that both facilitate trade and protect economic interests.
He also pointed out that the TRA has made significant progress in digital transformation through the Tanzania Customs Integrated System, which has improved transparency, accelerated service delivery, and strengthened coordination among institutions involved in the trade value chain.
Despite these achievements, Mr Mwenda emphasized the need to further strengthen border security using advanced technologies such as cargo scanners, drones, and risk-monitoring systems to combat smuggling and illicit trade.
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He also asserted that the discussions present a valuable opportunity to enhance regional cooperation and improve the performance of customs institutions, thereby promoting economic growth and social welfare across the ESA region and beyond.
The WCO ESA meeting brings together representatives from 24 member states to deliberate on customs cooperation, digital transformation, border security, trade facilitation, and strategies to address emerging global customs challenges, with the broader aim of strengthening economic prosperity within the region.
