WCO ESA Regional Office for Capacity Building - ROCB

14/10/2026

WCO ESA Advances the New WCO Capacity-Building Approach for Measurable Impact

The World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (WCO ESA ROCB), in collaboration with the WCO ESA Regional Development Manager (RDM), convened a virtual session for National Contact Points (NCPs) from Member Administrations on 14 October 2026 to advance regional alignment with the new WCO capacity-building approach. The engagement focused on strengthening the identification, assessment and prioritization of Members’ needs and linking capacity-building support to measurable institutional improvements.

The WCO ESA RDM, Ms. Alice S. Mokalake, outlined the evolving approach, emphasizing strategic alignment, Member ownership and results. She highlighted the importance of connecting capacity-building priorities with national Customs reform objectives and the WCO Strategic Plan 2025–2028, covering 26 portfolios and three focus areas: Technology and Innovation, E-Commerce and Efficient Customs.

The session highlighted the annual WCO Member Needs Survey as the principal mechanism for identifying and prioritizing capacity-building requirements. NCPs were encouraged to support coordinated institutional input so that requests reflect clearly assessed gaps, strategic priorities and expected outcomes. This provides a stronger basis for directing support towards interventions that offer the greatest value to Member Administrations.

A central message was the need to assess capacity building through its contribution to Customs performance. Beyond the delivery of workshops and training, success should be demonstrated through improved operational procedures, stronger institutional capabilities and measurable progress in relevant Customs Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), supported by alignment with the WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM). Members were encouraged to define intended results from the outset and share evidence and success stories demonstrating how support translates into practical improvements.

The engagement strengthened the shared understanding of the roles of the ROCB, the RDM and Member Administrations in advancing this approach across the ESA Region. Continued collaboration will be essential to translate identified needs into coordinated support, effective implementation and sustained results, positioning capacity building as a strategic instrument for Customs modernization and improved service delivery.

14/10/2026

𝐖𝐂𝐎 𝐄𝐒𝐀 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐁 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐚

The World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (WCO ESA ROCB), represented by its Director, Ms. Josephine Manyasi ‘ndc’(K), contributed to the session on “Strengthening integrity frameworks and oversight” during the Stakeholder Consultation on Addressing Bribery, Embezzlement and Money Laundering Risks in the Port of Mombasa Ecosystem. Organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with the support of the Government of the Kingdom of Norway, the workshop provided a platform to advance coordinated integrity measures and inform the development of a practical implementation roadmap.

The workshop was opened by Mr. Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service of the Republic of Kenya, accompanied by Ms. Regina Akoth Ombam, Principal Secretary, State Department for Trade, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) among other dignitaries.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Koskei called for collective action by government institutions, the private sector and development partners to combat corruption and financial crime at the port. He emphasized that integrity underpins trade facilitation, public revenue protection and regional competitiveness. Digitalization and simplified procedures, he noted, must be reinforced by effective internal controls, accountability and enforcement.

Mr. Koskei urged businesses to reject bribery and unethical practices and called for stronger inter-agency cooperation. He further encouraged participating institutions to develop an implementation roadmap with clear responsibilities, timelines, measurable indicators and accountability mechanisms to support a more efficient, transparent and resilient Port of Mombasa.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐂𝐎 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲, 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The WCO’s integrated approach to integrity was presented by Ms. Josephine Manyasi ‘ndc’(K), Director of WCO ESA ROCB, highlighting three complementary components: a policy framework, practical assessment tools, and capacity building and implementation support.

The Revised Arusha Declaration on Good Governance and Integrity in Customs provides the principal policy framework. Its emphasis on leadership accountability, transparent and simplified procedures, automation, effective oversight, ethical conduct and private sector engagement establishes a foundation for strengthening integrity throughout cargo clearance.

The WCO Integrity Development Guide and Guide to Corruption Risk Mapping translate these principles into structured assessment and targeted action. The former helps identify institutional strengths, gaps and reform priorities, while the latter examines vulnerabilities in specific operational processes and supports the development of preventive controls. Together, they help align institutional reforms with the risks encountered in daily port operations.

Capacity building and implementation support through the WCO Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme, supported by the Government of the Kingdom of Norway, help Customs administrations translate assessment findings into practical reforms and strengthen institutional accountability.

𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩
Building on this approach, the Director highlighted how a coordinated action plan could support the development and implementation of an integrity roadmap for the Port of Mombasa. A shared assessment involving Customs, partner agencies and private sector stakeholders could identify priority risks, particularly at operational interfaces involving inspection, clearance, payments and cargo release.

The proposed roadmap could link each priority risk to preventive measures, responsible institutions, timelines, resource requirements and measurable results. Effective internal oversight, trusted reporting and whistleblower mechanisms, clear referral arrangements with anti-corruption authorities and regular management review could strengthen implementation and accountability.

For a port serving economies across East and Central Africa, integrity is a strategic investment in secure trade, reliable supply chains and regional competitiveness. A coordinated roadmap could provide a common basis for aligning institutional efforts, monitoring progress and assessing whether reforms improve transparency and predictability in port operations.

Through its participation, WCO ESA ROCB reinforced the value of connecting international integrity standards with practical action. Continued engagement with UNODC and port stakeholders could help translate shared commitments into measurable improvements in governance, trade facilitation and public confidence.

13/10/2026

📢 OUT NOW! | WCO ESA NEWSLETTER – JULY–SEPTEMBER 2026

🌍 Trade Facilitation. Revenue Protection. A Safer Region.

The World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (WCO ESA ROCB) is pleased to share its July–September 2026 Newsletter, highlighting key developments, regional achievements and collaborative efforts to strengthen Customs administrations across East and Southern Africa.

📖 Explore the latest updates on:

🔹 Regional Customs modernization and trade facilitation initiatives.

🔹 Capacity building programmes and technical assistance.

🔹 Strategic partnerships and regional cooperation.

🔹 Key milestones, achievements and success stories from across the ESA Region.

Through continued collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing, we remain committed to advancing the WCO ESA Regional Strategy 2025–2028 and building stronger, more efficient and resilient Customs administrations.

📘 Read the latest edition and discover how the ESA Region is turning strategic priorities into action!

🔗 Access the newsletter: https://www.wcoesarocb.org/newsletters/

07/10/2026

Strengthening Customs Capacity to Facilitate Safe and Efficient Green

Nairobi, Kenya | 6 October 2026

The World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (WCO ESA ROCB) joined the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), partner agencies, and private sector representatives for the launch of the Facilitation of Safe and Efficient Green Trade Course at the Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi.

The course was developed through the partnership between GIZ, KRA and KESRA as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Customs capacity and support environmentally responsible trade. As part of the Green Customs Curriculum, the course seeks to equip Customs officers with the knowledge and practical skills required to facilitate legitimate trade while effectively identifying and responding to environmental risks.

The launch provided public and private sector stakeholders with an opportunity to review milestones achieved under the joint project, particularly efforts to strengthen implementation of trade procedures under trade-related multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). Discussions focused on the trade procedures relating to pesticides and industrial chemicals under the Rotterdam Convention, underscoring the importance of cooperation between Customs administrations, competent authorities and the private sector.

The Green Customs Curriculum covers environmentally sensitive goods, relevant legal frameworks and the role of Customs in implementing trade-related MEAs. Building on the first three modules, Module IV focuses on facilitating legitimate trade by compliant traders and stakeholders. The launch followed the Module IV training, which was conducted from 7 to 11 September 2026.

This initiative supports the ESA Regional Strategy 2025–2028, particularly its objective of protecting society and the environment, and aligns with the WCO’s 2026 International Customs Day theme, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment.”

The WCO ESA ROCB Director, Ms. Josephine Manyasi, reaffirmed the ROCB's commitment to supporting regional implementation through coordination, knowledge sharing and follow-up. This includes identifying Member training needs, promoting wider delivery of the course through the regional training network, facilitating exchanges of practical experience and monitoring how participants apply the knowledge gained.

Participating administrations were encouraged to support trained officers in translating the knowledge acquired into institutional practice and sharing their experiences across the Region.

The launch represents another important step towards strengthening regional cooperation and advancing safe, efficient and environmentally responsible trade across the East and Southern Africa Region.

07/10/2026

02/10/2026

WCO and Partners Strengthen Rules of Origin Expertise to Support Trade and Industrialisation

The World Customs Organization - Organisation Mondiale des Douanes (WCO) and its partners are developing a pool of Rules of Origin trainers to help Kenyan manufacturers benefit from preferential trade arrangements. The Training of Trainers workshop for the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), which opened on 1 October 2026, represents the final stage of a training cycle under the EU–WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme.

Following successful completion of advanced-level training, selected participants are progressing from learners to prospective trainers who will share knowledge and practical skills within their organisations and across industries. Participants were encouraged to exchange experience and maintain professional networks beyond the workshop, supporting continued learning and the wider transfer of expertise.

Speaking during the programme, Ms. Josephine Manyasi ‘ndc’(K), Director of the WCO East and Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (ESA ROCB), congratulated participants on their progress and emphasised the importance of developing sustainable regional expertise. Improved understanding and application of Rules of Origin can enable businesses to use preferential market access more effectively, including opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and strengthen their competitiveness.

The opening remarks linked the initiative to the WCO Capacity-Building Paradigm adopted in 2024, which prioritises sustainable, impactful capacity development and optimal use of resources. The Training of Trainers approach puts these principles into practice by preparing participants to continue competence development across Kenya’s manufacturing sector after the training cycle ends.
Funded by the European Union and organised in collaboration with GIZ, the workshop reflects the Team Europe approach of building synergies among EU institutions and EU-funded organisations. The opening remarks acknowledged the leadership and support of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), ESA ROCB, WCO Regional Training Centre Kenya and KAM. They also recognised the contribution of KRA’s WCO-accredited origin expert and national origin experts to the delivery of the training.

The WCO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Africa’s integration agenda through value chain development, industrialisation and stronger export capacity. By strengthening manufacturers’ ability to apply Rules of Origin, the initiative contributes to the practical implementation of preferential trade arrangements and the ESA Region’s wider economic integration priorities.

29/09/2026

Building Regional Rules of Origin Training Capacity for East African Freight Forwarders

The EAC Regional Training of Trainers on Rules of Origin for Freight Forwarders began on 28 September 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. Over three days, participants from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda will strengthen their ability to train other practitioners, extending Rules of Origin expertise across the region.

Ms. Laura Chao, Deputy Commissioner for Trade Facilitation, officially opened the training on behalf of Ms. Lillian Nyawanda, Commissioner of Customs and Border Control. Ms. Clemence Wawuda represented the Director of the WCO East and Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (WCO ESA ROCB), Ms. Josephine Manyasi, ‘ndc’(K), and delivered remarks on her behalf.

The Director stressed the need for a sustainable pool of trainers who can pass on Rules of Origin knowledge within their institutions and countries. Developing both technical expertise and training skills will help sustain that knowledge and strengthen capacity across East Africa.

The opening session also recognized Mr. Badr Mouhcine, Head of Programmes, and Ms. Faith Mathenge of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, who coordinated the training, as well as Mr. Elias Buluku, Executive Director of the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations - Feaffa (FEAFFA). The ROCB thanked GIZ, the facilitators, partners and participants for their contributions to the training.

The Training of Trainers follows advanced Rules of Origin training completed by the freight forwarders cohort. It is the final stage of a training cycle designed to equip selected participants to share what they have learned with colleagues and other practitioners.

Rules of Origin determine whether goods qualify for preferential treatment under applicable trade agreements. Freight forwarders help traders navigate these requirements and prepare the supporting documentation. Stronger practical knowledge can improve compliance and help eligible businesses use trade preferences.

Bringing together participants from five East African Community Partner States creates an opportunity to compare practices, address common challenges and build a shared understanding of Rules of Origin requirements. This regional exchange can support more consistent advice to traders and stronger cooperation across borders.

Participants were encouraged to apply their new training skills within their institutions and professional networks after the workshop. Their ability to adapt and pass on the learning will determine how far the programme’s benefits extend beyond those attending in Nairobi.

Through its collaboration with the -WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, FEAFFA, GIZ and other partners, the WCO ESA ROCB will continue to support practical Rules of Origin capacity building and cooperation between Customs and the private sector.

World Customs Organization - Organisation Mondiale des Douanes Kenya Revenue Authority

24/09/2026

WCO ESA Regional Effort in Advancing Customs Enforcement through Quality Data Input

The WCO ESA ROCB in collaboration with Regional Training Centre (RTC) Mauritius, conducted a three-day Regional Workshop on CENcomm Data Input and Management from 22th to 24th September 2026, as part of regional efforts to strengthen the quality of enforcement data and intelligence sharing across the ESA Region.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Josephine Manyasi, Director, WCO ESA ROCB, underscored that timely, accurate and complete seizure data is essential not only for reporting, but also for strengthening regional intelligence, supporting effective risk management and enabling Customs administrations to make informed enforcement decisions.

The importance of quality data was further emphasised by Mr. Gurkaran Bains, Director Customs designate at the Mauritius Revenue Authority, who officially opened the training. He recognised the work Customs officers undertake each day across the region to intercept illicit goods, protect national revenue and safeguard communities. He noted, however, that the ESA region accounts for less than one percent of the seizures recorded annually in the WCO CEN database. This points to the need for more consistent recording, standardisation and timely submission of operational data.

Over the three days, participants were taken through practical sessions on the CENcomm environment, including system navigation, essential data fields, seizure data capture, supporting documentation, data verification and quality control. Hands-on exercises provided participants with an opportunity to practise data capture using operational scenarios involving narcotics, illicit trade, undeclared currency and complex multi-item seizures.
The training was facilitated by Mr. J. Deelchand, WCO Technical and Operational Advisor in CEN Applications, who guided participants through the practical application of CENcomm and the requirements for improving the quality and consistency of seizure information.

The regional initiative seeks to increase both the quantity and quality of seizure data reported by ESA Member Administrations. Strengthening data input will improve the visibility of enforcement activities undertaken across the Region while providing more reliable information for risk profiling, trend analysis and intelligence-led enforcement.
The training further provided an opportunity for officers responsible for seizure data within their respective administrations to exchange experiences and discuss practical reporting challenges. Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills acquired within their administrations and contribute towards more timely, complete and accurate seizure reporting across the ESA Region.

Through continued collaboration among Member Administrations, RTCs, the RILO and the ROCB, the ESA region remains committed to improving the quality and use of Customs enforcement data. Timely, reliable intelligence sharing will help officers identify threats and make informed enforcement decisions. This work gives practical effect to the WCO’s 2026 International Customs Day theme, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment,” and contributes to the ESA Regional Strategy 2025–2028 objective of protecting society and the environment.

Mauritius Revenue Authority

17/09/2026

WCO ESA Region Strengthens Capacity on Advance Rulings System for Customs Valuation

The WCO East and Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB), in collaboration with the Regional Training Centre (RTC) Zimbabwe, held a virtual regional workshop on the Advance Rulings System for Customs Valuation on 16 September 2026. The workshop brought together 37 participants from 15 Member Administrations, comprising Customs officials responsible for valuation policy and implementation.

The workshop was opened by the ROCB Director, Mrs. Josephine Manyasi, and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority - ZIMRA, Director of Human Capital, Ms. Tsitsidzashe Tadiwa. The workshop contributed to the implementation of the WCO ESA Regional Strategy 2025–2028 and aimed to strengthen Members’ understanding and application of advance rulings. Advance rulings enhance transparency, consistency and predictability by enabling traders to obtain binding Customs decisions before the importation or exportation of goods.

The technical sessions were facilitated by Ms. Lillian Musarandega, WCO-accredited Customs Valuation expert. Participants were taken through the international framework governing advance rulings, including their application under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The programme also covered Zimbabwe’s Customs valuation structure and practical experiences in implementing advance rulings, supported by case studies and interactive discussions.

The workshop provided a platform for Member Administrations to exchange experiences, identify implementation challenges and explore practical approaches to strengthening their national advance ruling systems. It also encouraged continued regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing among Customs valuation practitioners.