DRC President Inaugurates 2,400 m² Customs Services Building in Kasumbalesa
On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) unveiled two significant infrastructure projects at the border crossings of Kasumbalesa, situated 91 kilometers from Lubumbashi, and Sakania, approximately 200 kilometers away from Lubumbashi.
Previously scattered across a 7-kilometer radius from the border post, all the official services involved in the customs process are now consolidated within a modern building, encompassing a total of 2,400 square meters, equipped with state-of-the-art operational facilities at the Kasumbalesa border post in Haut-Katanga.
Key Advantages of the New Building:
Efficient Customs Operations: The facility boasts a high-tech computer system, an exclusive customs evacuation route, and a spacious 250,000 square meter parking lot. These features are set to streamline customs operations, reduce processing times, and mitigate the risk of fraud.
Ample Parking: The addition of a 1,500-truck capacity parking lot for imports and an equivalent capacity for exports, along with an 8-kilometer reinforced concrete bypass road, is expected to enhance the efficiency of the border crossing.
Bernard Kabese, Director General of the DGDA, emphasized that the modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post would expedite customs procedures and facilitate quicker vehicle turnover.
The infrastructure aligns with international standards and is anticipated to improve the quality of services offered by DGDA, ultimately boosting government revenue.
Furthermore, the consolidation of eight official services within the building will bring declarants and other taxpayers closer to essential border services.
Local officials from the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) and the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) view this modern infrastructure as the initial step towards establishing an effective one-stop shop, streamlining border processes for travelers and traders alike.
It’s worth noting that Travigo, a subcontractor of DGDA, was responsible for constructing this impressive border facility.
In a separate ceremony nearly 200 kilometers from Lubumbashi, President Félix Tshisekedi inaugurated the Sakania dry port, a massive cross-border infrastructure sprawling over 1.44 square kilometers on the Congolese-Zambian border.
The Sakania dry port complex features an inspection building to accommodate all services and multiple parking areas, distinctly allocated for import and export purposes.
Just like in Kasumbalesa, local officials from DGM and DGDA recognize this modern infrastructure as a crucial first step towards establishing a comprehensive one-stop shop, simplifying cross-border trade and travel.
Again, it’s important to highlight that Travigo, a subcontractor of DGDA, played a pivotal role in constructing the Sakania dry port.
These developments mark a significant leap in enhancing border infrastructure and streamlining customs and trade processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
