The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority joined the rest of the world on the 26^th of January 2024 to celebrate the World Customs Day in Beitbridge. The WCD, is a global event that highlights the critical role of customs administrations in promoting international trade, securing borders, and facilitating economic growth.

The Commissioner General, Ms. Regina Chinamasa, led the procession of staff members and other stakeholders as they marched from Beitbridge town to the border, where the official event was held.

At the Beitbridge border post, the official event was attended by esteemed guests with officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), South African Police Services (SAPS), Border Management Authority (BMA) among other international partners and senior government officials. 

This year 2024’s theme, "Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose," underscores the significance of collaboration between customs agencies and other stakeholders to quicken trade facilitation, sharing information, data collection, addressing emerging challenges and harnessing opportunities in an ever-evolving global landscape.

In his welcome remarks, the Member of Parliament for Matebeleland South under the youth quota, Mr Tinashe Mushipe, expressed his gratitude to government and ZIMRA for selecting his province to host the event. He acknowledged the importance of cooperation and support between various stakeholders with ZIMRA to build a prosperous nation and in line with government’s vision of an Upper Middle Class economy by 2030. The Commissioner General reinforced this view highlighting the importance of working with traditional partners and forging alliances with new partners.

The World Customs Organisation representative in Zimbabwe, who is also the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr. Batsira Chadzingwa, took the opportunity to stress the importance of adapting to the changing dynamics in global trade. He also emphasized the importance of building synergies with traditional and new partners, this approach effectively addresses the challenges faced in customs and international trade.

The event also witnessed the innovative technologies that ZIMRA is employing to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Mr Mukwena, who is managing the drone technology took the opportunity to showcase how the drone is going to effectively tame the vices in customs management. He took the gathering through the whole process of drone management and the distances that are to be covered by the drones. 

A pre-recorded speech by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion highlighted the importance of Customs administrators who serve as dynamic custodians of national borders, ensuring the smooth flow of goods, protecting societies from illicit activities, and contributing to the overall economic prosperity of the country. He further emphasised the dynamic nature of international trade that necessitates customs agencies to adapt and forge partnerships with both traditional and new stakeholders, amplifying their collective impact and fostering seamless trade facilitation.