WCO Eswatini Launch Customs Capacity Pilot Program

Published: 01/26/2026
Customs Capacity Building Training Evaluation HS Africa Project
The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Authority (ERA), launched a capacity building assessment pilot project. This initiative aims to enhance training quality and effectiveness, facilitate knowledge transfer, and strengthen customs capacity building through a systematic five-level evaluation model. The project's findings will be shared with WCO members, contributing to the security and facilitation of global trade. The assessment framework will provide valuable insights for optimizing training programs and ensuring sustainable capacity development within customs administrations.
WCO Eswatini Launch Customs Capacity Pilot Program

Landmark initiative with Eswatini Revenue Authority aims to establish scientific assessment framework for global trade efficiency

BRUSSELS — The World Customs Organization (WCO) and its partners have long championed enhanced global customs capabilities, yet effectively evaluating the impact of training programs remains a persistent challenge. A groundbreaking pilot project, funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Authority (ERA), seeks to revolutionize how customs training effectiveness is measured.

The Three Pillars of Customs Efficiency

As the first line of defense in international trade security, customs agencies' performance directly impacts global commerce. Three critical elements determine operational effectiveness: professional competency, process efficiency, and organizational structure optimization. The WCO has invested substantially in training initiatives targeting these areas, but traditional evaluation methods—often limited to participant satisfaction surveys or basic knowledge tests—fail to measure real-world application and institutional impact.

The Imperative for Systematic Evaluation

With training constituting a significant portion of WCO's operational model and requiring substantial resources, stakeholders must ensure these investments yield measurable results. The new pilot project, framed around Harmonized System (HS) classification capacity building, introduces a comprehensive five-tier evaluation model adapted from established training assessment frameworks.

The Five-Level Assessment Model

This systematic approach evaluates training effectiveness through progressive measurement:

  • Level 1: Reaction — Measures participant satisfaction through post-training surveys
  • Level 2: Learning — Assesses knowledge acquisition via examinations and practical tests
  • Level 3: Behavior — Tracks workplace application through observational studies and supervisor feedback
  • Level 4: Results — Quantifies organizational impact using key performance indicators
  • Level 5: ROI — Calculates economic benefits relative to training costs

Implementation in Eswatini

The HS-Africa project's collaboration with ERA involves multiple phases:

  1. Comprehensive needs assessment to identify skill gaps
  2. Customized curriculum development for HS classification
  3. Structured training delivery with performance support
  4. Multi-dimensional evaluation across all five levels
  5. Feedback integration for continuous improvement

Broader Implications

This initiative represents a strategic component of the EU-HS Africa program's broader mission to strengthen customs administration across the continent. By focusing on HS classification—the universal language of international trade—the project aims to enhance trade data accuracy, reduce smuggling, and facilitate regional commerce.

Findings from the pilot will inform the HS-Africa Trainer Development Program and be shared with WCO members during the 13th Capacity Building Committee session. The project's success could establish a replicable model for evaluating customs training worldwide, ultimately contributing to more secure and efficient global trade networks.

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