The Director of the World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (WCO ESA ROCB), Josephine Manyasi, has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening the professional capacity of customs officers across the 24 member countries under the WCO East and Southern Africa region.

Speaking during the WCO ESA Regional Meeting held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort, Ms. Manyasi said the organization continues to implement strategic initiatives aimed at equipping customs administrations with the skills and tools necessary to provide efficient and modern customs services.

She explained that one of the core responsibilities of WCO ESA is to ensure customs officers are continuously trained in various areas of customs administration to match the fast-changing global trade environment and advancements in technology.

Ms. Manyasi noted that the regional meetings have become an important platform for member states to exchange experiences, share best practices, and strengthen cooperation in customs operations, particularly in the use of modern technologies to improve efficiency and service delivery.

According to her, WCO ESA is also focused on promoting harmonized customs systems and procedures among all member countries in order to improve transparency, enhance coordination, and create a more unified approach to customs management across the region.

She further emphasized that continuous training programs for customs officers will play a significant role in enhancing professionalism, boosting revenue collection, and ensuring customs services remain responsive to international trade demands.

The WCO ESA region is made up of 24 member states including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Malawi, and other countries across East and Southern Africa committed to strengthening regional customs cooperation and development.s