More Member States will soon be using the COMESA Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO) system which was launched in November 2024. The e-CO is a modern digital tool expected to enhance and facilitate trade among the countries.

Assistant Secretary General in charge of Programmes (ASGP) Amb. Dr. Mohamed Kadah said the COMESA Secretariat is finalizing the integration of the e-CO with national e-CO Systems of Kenya, Seychelles and Ethiopia. 

Further, the Secretariat is working with Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda and Tunisia who have conducted their national situational assessments in preparation for the interfacing and implementation of the COMESA e-CO.

The Assistant Secretary General was speaking on Thursday 26 June 2025 during the opening session of the Eleventh Meeting of the Heads of Customs Sub-Committee which was held virtually. This meeting was preceded by Customs Experts Meeting. 

Ms Balness Sumani, Officer-in-Charge of the Trade and Customs Division read Dr. Kadah’s statement.

The Assistant Secretary General noted that in addition to the e-CO, COMESA  is exploring means of customs-to-customs electronic exchange of data, an electronic single window and other customs applications supported by the cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, big data and AI.

The meeting appreciated the important role played by Customs administrations in facilitating cross-border trade and transport flows in an efficient and secure manner that reduces Non- Tariff Barriers to trade and enhances the competitiveness of the region’s products.

The  meeting also discussed the draft 2026-2030 COMESA Customs and Trade Facilitation Work Programme, which will provide inputs in the COMESA Medium Term Strategic Plan 2026-2030 which is at an advanced stage of development.