ZANZIBAR, May 16 -- CUSTOMS authorities have been urged to strengthen their role in protecting national economies while facilitating legitimate trade amid rapid changes in global commerce driven by technology and AI.

This was said yesterday by Minister for Finance, Amb Khakis Mussa Omar, while officially opening the 32nd meeting of the Governing Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Region, held in Zanzibar.

The meeting brought together delegates from 24 member countries across the region. Amb Omar said customs authorities must play an even greater role in protecting national economies and facilitating legitimate trade, especially at a time when global commerce is undergoing major transformati...