20th & 22nd May 2024.
The 39th Regional Steering Group (RSG) meeting is underway, hosted by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) in Swakopmund, Namibia. Participants include representatives from 15 member countries: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Representatives from strategic partners are also in attendance, including the International Trade Centre (UN/WTO agency).
The opening session was attended by a high-level delegation including Hon. Andre Neville, Governor of Erongo Region, and Her Worship Dina Namubes, Mayor of Swakopmund. Opening remarks delivered are highlighted as follows:
Hon. Andre Neville, Governor of Erongo Region, welcomed the delegates to Swakopmund and highlighted the meeting’s agenda. He encouraged delegates to produce solid conclusions and recommendations that would address emerging challenges threatening Customs’ work, including tax evasion, fraud, smuggling, and other related illegal activities. Of course, he showcased the beauty of the land and encouraged delegates to enjoy their time.
Mr. Sam Shivute, Commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency, welcomed all delegates to Swakopmund and expressed pride in Namibia hosting the region. He pointed out that it is the first time Namibia is hosting a meeting of such great magnitude and importance to sustainable economic development regionally, continentally, and globally.
Mr. Chabeeraj Hurry, Vice Chair’s representative and Chairperson of the RSG Meeting (Mauritius), conveyed the appreciation of the ESA Vice-Chair and the leadership of the Mauritius Revenue Authority to Namibia for their hosting and the region for their support. He called for robust discussions on the reports and the implementation of the Regional Strategy.
Mr. Larry Liza, ROCB Director, paid homage to Namibia for its political history and wealth of diversity and nature provided. He saluted the leadership of NamRA for its contribution to the economic development of Namibia and the region. He informed the meeting that the regional Strategy was entering its final year of implementation and shared plans for monitoring and evaluation.
Mr. Vincent Kwalar Njebi, ESA Regional Development Manager and WCO representative shared a message from Mr. Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the WCO, to the Customs Community, emphasizing the importance of deepening and enriching established relationships while also seeking new connections with a wider range of stakeholders. This aligns with the World Customs Organization’s theme for the 2024 International Customs Day: “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.”
