The Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) has launched a regional centre for electronic cargo tracking in Burundi thanks to the support of TradeMark Africa to the tune of $212,000. This will allow for real time tracking of cargo transiting through the country via the Northern and Central corridors or in transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Inaugurated on August 23, 2023, in Bujumbura by the Burundi Revenue Authority in collaboration with TradeMark Africa, the new electronic cargo tracking system will help to curb fraud, promote taxation and increase revenue collection, Jean Claude Manirakiza, Commissioner General of the OBR, noted.

TradeMark Africa CEO, David Beer, who graced the occasion, said the regional electronic goods tracking system has been in operation is already operational in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and DRC. He noted that it will minimise the costly tracking processes that delay the movement of goods, reduction of excessive controls and cut down on the multiplicity or duplication of documentation: “Countries using this system have already experienced significant reductions in the time and cost to trade. We expect similar results for Burundi.”

TradeMark Africa has already invested $60 million since the inception of its interventions in Burundi, with the aim of boosting regional economic integration and reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers.

This Aid for Trade organization created in 2010 with the aim of promoting prosperity in East Africa through increased trade, plans to soon support digitalisation innovations in electronic commerce, support cross-border trade, and add to the success of Burundi’s regional integration within the EAC, supporting the search for gains through the continental free trade area. “We are keen to support Burundi’s economic growth,” says Mr Beer said.

Read original article

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.