At the request of the Mozambique Tax Authority (AT), the WCO conducted a Mercator Program diagnostic support mission in Maputo, Mozambique, from 27 November to 05 December 2023.
The mission focused on the Mozambique Tax Authority modernization agenda, ongoing projects and reforms, particularly its ability to effectively contribute to the implementation of the Articles of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
This activity was conducted under the framework of the Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization Programme for Sustainable Development in Sub–Saharan Africa (Sida-WCO TFCM Programme), with funding from the Government of Sweden.
Through active engagement with the Mozambique AT senior officials, the National Committee for Trade Facilitation (NCTF) and the private sector, the WCO team was able to make a comprehensive assessment of the situation within the Customs administration regarding TFA implementation, highlighting areas where good progress had already been achieved and also identifying areas where further capacity building and technical assistance support may be required.
In collaboration with the Mozambique Tax Authority, the WCO were able to draft an initial report containing an analysis of the current situation and subsequent recommendations. The WCO team also took the opportunity to conduct a Mercator Maturity Model assessment that provides an essential baseline against which future TFA implementation progress or maturity, from a Customs perspective, can be effectively measured and reported.
The Sida-WCO TFCM Programme is collaborating with Member beneficiaries and regional bodies in the EAC and SADC regions to address, among others, the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) implementation measures as designated in the WTO TFA provisions.
For more information on the Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, kindly contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.