By Josephine Christopher

Josephine Christopher is a senior business journalist for The Citizen and Mwananchi newspapers

Mwananchi Communications Limitted

Dar es Salaam. Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar has called for accelerated digital customs reforms and stronger regional cooperation as African economies face increasing pressure to modernize their trade systems, enhance border security, and facilitate cross-border commerce.

The minister stated that rapid changes in global trade, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce expansion, and emerging security risks, are reshaping the role of customs authorities and increasing the need for technology-driven systems.