Gambia Customs Managers Attend RILO-ESA Meeting in Tanzania

• Customs managers from The Gambia are attending the RILO-ESA meeting in Tanzania.
• The conference aims to foster knowledge exchange and regional cooperation in combating illicit trade.
• Illicit trade is estimated to result in an annual revenue loss of over USD 90 billion for Africa.
• Advanced technology is seen as a critical tool in tackling customs fraud and illicit trade.

Bojang emphasized that illicit trade poses a significant threat to Africa's economic growth, resulting in an estimated annual revenue loss of over USD 90 billion.

In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, customs managers and development partners from around the world are gathering for the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for East and Southern Africa's (RILO-ESA) 22nd National Contact Points meeting. The event, themed 'Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity,' aims to foster knowledge exchange and regional cooperation in combating illicit trade.

The conference has drawn attendees from Japan, South Korea, Europe, and across Africa, highlighting the global nature of the challenge. Customs Manager Ansumana B. Bojang delivered a presentation on behalf of the Director of RILO West Africa, underscoring the significance of advanced technology in tackling customs fraud and illicit trade.

Bojang emphasized that illicit trade poses a significant threat to Africa's economic growth, resulting in an estimated annual revenue loss of over USD 90 billion. This staggering figure underscores the need for collective action against this menace.

Illicit trade has emerged as one of Africa's most pressing challenges, with far-reaching consequences for domestic revenue collection and sustainable economic growth. The estimated annual revenue loss of over USD 90 billion is a stark reminder of the need for effective measures to combat this scourge.

The weakening of domestic revenue collection due to illicit trade undermines the continent's ability to invest in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This, in turn, hampers sustainable economic growth and development, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment.

As customs managers and experts gather in Tanzania, they are acutely aware of the imperative to leverage advanced technology in the fight against illicit trade.

The RILO-ESA meeting serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and regional cooperation in the global fight against illicit trade. Customs Manager Ansumana B. Bojang's presentation highlighted the critical role of advanced technology in combating customs fraud and illicit trade.

As development partners from around the world converge on Dar Es Salaam, they are poised to leverage their collective expertise to strengthen regional cooperation and combat this transnational threat. The meeting's focus on 'Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity' underscores the importance of effective customs management in promoting economic growth and development.

The success of this initiative will depend on the ability of customs managers and experts to work together, leveraging advanced technology to stay ahead of illicit trade networks.

Lawyers should watch for the implications of advanced technology in combating illicit trade, as highlighted by Gambia Customs Managers at the RILO-ESA meeting, and consider how this may impact their clients' compliance with customs regulations.

Source: Original reporting via The Gambia Revenue Authority