The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Government of Seychelles, and the Customs Division of the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC), has through collaborative efforts launched the Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO) during a high-level event held at the L’Escale Resort and Spa Hotel on 17 June 2026.
The new digital platform which forms part of the SRC’s broader digitalization journey, aims to streamline customs procedures and increase efficiencies towards trade facilitation in Seychelles. Through the eCO system, traders seeking preferential access under the COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) preferential trade agreements can now register and apply electronically for the Certificates of Origin, reducing paperwork and supporting faster processing of documents, faster clearance time at the border, as the certificate once issued is automatically transmitted amongst COMESA Member States.
This important step, taken as part of SRC’s digital transformation journey in building a more efficient and paperless customs administration, will further reduce operational delays by eliminating the manual procedures which was previously being conducted, in addition to promoting transparency, compliance and trade competitiveness.
Addressing the attendees at the event, the Principal Secretary for the Department of Trade, Mrs. Nathalie Edmond expressed her congratulations to the SRC for having successfully achieved the implementation of the electronic certificates of origin system.
The Principal Secretary commented that, “Technological advancement and the use of digital solutions to speed up service delivery in the public sector is key on the government’s agenda. “
“As SRC digitalization journey continues to evolve, maintaining Seychelles supply chain, trade facilitation and border security against illicit trade is important in maintaining efficiency to safeguard the sustainable growth of the country.
“The success of the introduction of the electronic Certificate of Origin is essential for Seychelles and I urge the traders to make full use of the platform. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the COMESA Secretariat and the SRC for maintaining the ongoing collaboration in achieving this project”.
Speaking on behalf of the COMESA Secretariat, Dr Christopher Onyango, Director of Trade and Customs, said the launch of the eCO system reflects COMESA’s continued commitment to supporting Member States in modernising customs procedures and advancing digital trade facilitation in line with the COMESA Treaty.
Dr. Onyango expressed COMESA’s appreciation for the strong partnership with Seychelles on the eCO project and noted that the Secretariat is proud to see Seychelles, as a small island nation, join the growing number of Member States implementing the system.
He added that the initiative will strengthen the integrity of origin certification, enhance cooperation among customs administrations, and contribute to a more efficient and transparent regional trading environment.
The event was attended by key dignitaries from the COMESA Secretariat, Government of Seychelles as well as management and staff members of the SRC’s customs division involved in the development and implementation of eCO.