15th & 16th May 2025.
The 31st Governing Council (GC) meeting is taking place in Pretoria, South Africa, hosted by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Delegates from 16 member countries are in attendance, alongside representatives from strategic partners such as the WCO, SADC, AfCFTA Secretariat, UNCTAD, WCO ESA RPSG, and IMF-AFRITAC South.
Hon. Ashor Sarupen, Deputy Minister of Finance, South Africa, officially opened the meeting. He welcomed delegates and emphasized the vital role of Customs in facilitating trade across the continent. He stressed the need for collaboration to overcome non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and highlighted tools like pre-arrival processing, AEO programmes, and enhanced digital connectivity. He called for continued investment in infrastructure and systems to support regional integration.
Prof. Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner and Council Chairperson of the WCO, welcomed participants to Pretoria and reflected on South Africa’s journey since 1994. He addressed the challenges facing global trade and emphasized the evolving role of Customs in a changing world. He called for stronger collaboration and urged the ESA region to leverage its resources, stability, and human capital through aligned policies and innovation.
Mr. Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the WCO, expressed gratitude for the invitation and reaffirmed the WCO’s commitment to supporting capacity building and inclusive policy development. He highlighted the organization’s transformation journey and the forthcoming Strategic Plan for 2025, urging member states to support this shift towards member-driven change.
Mr. Dinathsingh Mungla, WCO ESA Vice Chair (Mauritius), thanked South Africa for hosting. He underscored the GC’s role in making decisions that strengthen Customs administrations in revenue mobilization, trade facilitation, and regional stability. He introduced the 2025–2028 Regional Strategy focused on secure and efficient trade, and celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Regional Office for Capacity Building.
The Governing Council is expected to adopt a new Regional Strategy (2025–2028), which will guide the region’s developmental agenda. The strategy aims to foster regional growth, enhance cooperation and coordination among key stakeholders, and strengthen Customs administrations. It will also prioritize discussions on combating illicit trade and other critical issues affecting the region.
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