Sub-regional GCI Workshop for SADAC countries, Lilongwe, Malawi

The Southern Africa Development Community (SADAC) GCI was organised in collaboration with SADC Secretariat and the Government of Malawi and was held in Lilongwe, Malawi, from 12 - 14 October 2010. The workshop was attended by the following SADC countries: Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zambia. Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions were represented by Dr T.Lestsela, Executive Director of African Institute and Ms Khetase Kunje represented by Interpol.

The meeting was officially opened by Hon. Ephraim Mganda Chiume, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment. The representatives of UNEP, World Customs Organization, East & Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building. Mr John Bisonga, SADC Secretariat, Mr Alex Banda and Mr Emanuel Kaluluma, Acting Commissioner of Customs, gave opening remarks.

The workshop identified major obstacles to the implementation and enforcement of MEAs by customs officers, support and assistance is needed by the customs authorities. Discussed were ways to enhance cooperation with stakeholders in control of environmentally sensitive commodities and cooperation between countries in the SADC region and overall recommendations with timeframe for the implementation of all identied actions.

Please read the workshop report.