This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
On July 15, 2019, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) joined the regional electronic cargo tracking system, marking a significant step towards safer movement of goods and faster collection of trade data.
The Electronic Cargo Tracking System, a regional Customs monitoring platform, provides real-time tracking of cargo trucks between the Mombasa Port and destinations in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and now the DRC.
Supported by Google Maps and Global Positioning System technology, the platform aims to minimize travel delays, security risks, and dumping.
Trademark EastAfrica has invested over $70 million in trade facilitation projects in DRC, including empowerment of female market traders and renovation of Customs offices.
A memorandum of Understanding was signed between DRC revenue officials, Trademark EastAfrica, and the Uganda Revenue Authority to finalize DRC's entry onto the Customs tracking platform.
This development could end years of misery for traders affected by incidents of cargo being stolen or lost in transit, often in eastern Congo.
Eastern DRC has been plagued by security risks due to the presence of several militia groups, corruption, and poor roads, which have compounded the problem.
More than 120 rebel groups operate in eastern DRC, and reliable data on stolen transit cargo reported in DRC is not available.
However, Uganda's exports to the DRC market have increased sharply in the past, driven by thriving informal trade and increased investments, particularly in mining.
Formal exports from Uganda to the DRC grew from $152.05 million in 2015 to $177.66 million in 2016, and from $188.98 million in 2017 to $204.37 million in 2018.
Informal trade flows between the two countries expanded from $181.35 million in 2015 to $221.27 million in 2016, and from $270.63 million in 2017 to $287.05 million in 2018.
“Many traders have seen cargo get lost without a trace near the border with Uganda. But this system will monitor all cargo trucks entering DRC from Uganda without delay. As a result, traders will save money moving cargo,” said Nzuka Simon Mapengo, DRC ambassador to Uganda.
