The Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Mr. Yusuph Juma Mwenda, has said Tanzania will continue strengthening regional cooperation in customs matters in order to enhance trade efficiency and safeguard national economic interests.

He made the remarks on May 14, 2026, during the 32nd Governing Council Meeting of the World Customs Organization – Eastern and Southern Africa (WCO-ESA), held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Zanzibar.

Speaking at the meeting, CG Mwenda said Tanzania continues to serve as a key gateway for trade and a trusted hub for investors and international partners, noting that ongoing transformations in global trade driven by technology, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence require robust customs systems capable of facilitating trade while protecting national economies.

He further stated that TRA has made significant progress in digital reforms through the Tanzania Electronic Customs Cooperation System, which has improved transparency, service delivery speed, and coordination among institutions within the trade ecosystem.

CG Mwenda also emphasized the need to further strengthen border security capacity through the use of modern technologies such as cargo scanners, drones, and risk management systems to effectively curb smuggling and other forms of illicit trade.

The discussions at the meeting provide an important platform for enhancing regional solidarity and improving the performance of customs administrations in order to drive economic development and social well-being across the ESA region and beyond.