South Africa steps up as Vice-Chair of WCO ESA – Customs reform takes centre stage
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South Africa has been unanimously elected Vice-Chair of the World Customs Organization (WCO) East and Southern Africa (ESA) region, effective 1 July 2025. The announcement came as SARS hosted the 41st Regional Steering Group and the 31st Governing Council meetings in Pretoria, where 24 member states gathered to drive a shared vision for regional integration, digital customs reform, and enhanced trade facilitation.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter emphasised that customs administrations must become engines of economic growth—leveraging digital systems, pre-arrival processing, and e-commerce-ready infrastructure to cut costs, reduce tax leakages, and boost revenue.
Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen reinforced that success under the African Continental Free Trade Area hinges on efficient customs. Eliminating non-tariff barriers and investing in smarter systems are top priorities for the new 2025–2028 ESA strategy.
As Vice-Chair, South Africa will play a key role in steering the region’s strategic agenda—supporting digital transformation, customs modernisation, and deeper public-private collaboration.
📌 The bottom line: Modern customs are critical for resilient economies and seamless trade. South Africa is now in a stronger position to influence this transformation across the continent.
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