3rd & 4th November 2025.
The meeting of the WCO ESA RTC Heads, ROCB, and RILO is currently under way, hosted by the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) in Mbabane, Eswatini. Participants include the Heads of the RTC Kenya, RTC Mauritius, RTC South Africa, RTC Zimbabwe, the ROCB, and the RILO. The WCO was not represented at the meeting.
Opening remarks delivered are highlighted as follows:
Ms. Gugu Mahlinza, Commissioner of Customs, Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS), warmly welcomed all delegates to the Kingdom of Eswatini. She congratulated the new Director of the ROCB, Ms. Josephine Manyasi, on her appointment and wished her well in the delivery of her mandate. She highlighted the important role played by the RTCs in building capacity in the region and in promoting professionalism within the Customs and Tax Administrations. She pointed out that in the era of constant change of technology and the dynamic environment within which Customs operates, the RTCs play a crucial role in ensuring that the Customs and Tax officials are up to date with the advancements in technology and can ably respond to arising matters timeously. The Commissioner further informed the meeting that the RTC meeting provides the opportunity to share best practices, strategize and develop policies that will support capacity building in the region.
Mr. Nelson Mukuriah, representing the Chairperson of the RTC Heads for the year 2025-2026, Dr. Mugambi Mwirigi, RTC Kenya, thanked the government and people of the Kingdom of Eswatini for the hospitality accorded to the delegates attending the RTC Heads meeting. He conveyed apologies on behalf of Dr. Mugambi Mwirigi who was unable to attend the meeting due to other pressing official engagements. He urged the RTCs to continue building capacity in the region towards ensuring the development of professional, agile and customer centric Customs and Tax officials. Mr. Mukuriah highlighted the importance of professionalism in improving revenue collection, sealing revenue loopholes and promoting sustainable economic development in the region.
ROCB Director, Mrs. Josephine Manyasi, expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Eswatini for their warm hosting and hospitality. She expressed her appreciation to the Vice Chair (South Africa), RTCs and the RILO for their support towards implementing capacity building initiatives in the region. She informed the meeting that the ROCB continues to ensure capacity building initiatives are delivered and that the regional strategy 2025-28 will be executed successfully. Mrs. Manyasi informed the meeting that the Regional Strategy Implementation Work Plan had been developed and will be ratified in the upcoming 42nd RSG and adopted by the 32nd Governing Council. She conveyed her best wishes for fruitful deliberations and successful outcomes from the RTC Heads meeting.
The RILO Head, Mr. Sitheni Ncube, thanked the government and people of the Kingdom of Eswatini through Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) for hosting the meeting. He highlighted the important role that the RILO plays in information/intelligence sharing in the region and globally. This is especially crucial in curbing illicit trade and protecting the society. He further pointed out that the meeting offers a good opportunity to deliberate and make conclusive recommendations.
