THE EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva, has urged EAC Partner States’ customs authorities to embrace state-of-the-art tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to streamline customs procedures across the region.

Nduva said that the adoption of AI would also go a long way in combating illicit trade within the region, calling upon the customs authorities to demystify customs procedures and explain them in simpler terms to stakeholders and members of the public, adding that integration in East Africa was essentially about the people at the grassroots.

The SG underscored the need for Customs personnel to carry along members of the public through increased awareness programmes on how they work.

Nduva, who was speaking a ceremony to commemorate the International Customs Day at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, said that customs officers have over time evolved into key facilitators of trade, ensuring security of goods and revenue protection.

“Their responsibilities now encompass raising public awareness and building capacity to promote a deeper understanding of trade regulations and fostering greater cooperation among stakeholders,” Nduva said, adding:

“The Customs Union, being the first pillar of EAC integration, has enabled the seamless flow of goods, reduced trade barriers and strengthened economic cooperation among Partner States in practical ways.” 

She also disclosed that the efficiency of the Customs ecosystem within the EAC has delivered for the bloc many positive results including the elimination of intra-regional tariffs allowing free movement of goods among Partner States.

“As a result, intra-EAC trade has significantly grown due to reduced trade barriers. The EAC Trade and Investment Report indicates rising trade volumes, with key exports including agricultural products, manufactured goods and petroleum products,” said Nduva. 

“The EAC’s total trade with the rest of the world rose to USD 80.6 billion in 2023, up from USD 78.7 billion in 2022. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Grew from USD 3.7 billion in 2013 to USD 12.9 billion in 2021, reflecting increased confidence in the region’s trade systems.”- 

The SG said that EAC has adopted a Common External Tariff (CET) which has helped regulate imports from outside the EAC, protecting local industries.

“EAC is also implementing a Simplified Trade Regime (STR) designed to help small-scale cross-border traders by reducing red tape and customs bureaucracy. Traders with goods valued below $2,000 enjoy a simplified hassle-free clearance process with assistance from customs officials stationed at our border stations,” added the SG.

“The introduction of regional electronic cargo tracking systems (RECTS) and single customs territory (SCT) has reduced smuggling and increased tax revenues. Digital systems have improved customs efficiency and transparency.”

The SG disclosed that the EAC actively works to eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and bureaucratic procedures and restrictive trade policies, adding that dedicated online NTB Monitoring Mechanism helps report and resolve trade challenges.

Charles Mwebembezi, President of the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations, said that the private sector would continue to audit customs systems to ensure that they become better. 

Mwebembesa said that his association would also vouch for simplification of customs procedures, reducing delays, eradicating corruption and promoting private-public private approaches to resolving issues in customs.

Alban Odhiambo, Senior Advisor for Trade and Infrastructure at the Tony Blair Institute, called for a mindset change even as the continent adopts new technologies.

Odhiambo observed that there has been a challenge at the borders whereby problems including congestions of trucks and delays continue at border posts even in instances where new technologies have been put in place.