RILO ESA Strengthens Intelligence Sharing Through CENcomm3 Training at Chirundu One Stop Border Post
By RILO ESA
The Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Eastern and Southern Africa (RILO ESA) conducted a three-day training programme on the CENcomm3 at the Chirundu One Stop Border Post, with Customs officers in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The training, conducted from 22 to 24 September 2026, formed part of RILO ESA’s continued efforts to strengthen Customs intelligence capabilities, promote information sharing and enhance intelligence led enforcement across the region.
The programme commenced on the Zambian side, where the Assistant Commissioner Chirundu Mrs. Namukolo Mwale delivered the opening remarks, emphasising the critical role of intelligence sharing in combating cross border illicit trade and strengthening Customs enforcement. The Assistant Commissioner Chirundu highlighted that initiatives which bring Customs administrations together provide an important platform for sharing knowledge, strengthening operational cooperation and improving the collective ability to detect and respond to emerging risks.
A total of seven Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) officers participated in the training.
The programme subsequently continued on the Zimbabwean side, where seven Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officers received training. Opening remarks were delivered by the ZIMRA Chirundu Station Manager Mrs Canisia Mahatchi, who underscored the importance of continuous learning and the effective use of Customs intelligence tools in supporting border operations.
The training was facilitated by the Head of RILO ESA, Mr Sitheni Ncube, together with Mr Vivian Manditereza and Ms Ngoni Mashingaidze. Before delving into the technical aspects of CENcomm3, the RILO ESA team provided participants with an overview of the organisation, its history, mandate, functions and role within the wider Customs enforcement architecture.
This introductory session provided participants with a clear understanding of what RILO ESA is, its evolution, its responsibilities and how it supports Customs administrations in the region, thereby creating a strong foundation for the practical sessions.
Participants were subsequently introduced to the CENcomm3, with the training focusing on their practical application in intelligence collection, analysis, dissemination and communication. The sessions enabled officers to strengthen their understanding of how these platforms can support the identification of trends, detection of illicit activities and timely exchange of intelligence among Customs administrations.
The training at Chirundu One Stop Border Post also provided an important opportunity for RILO ESA to engage with officers from Zambia and Zimbabwe, as they interacted, exchanged experiences and appreciated the value of coordinated intelligence led approaches to border management.
The programme reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, intelligence sharing and technology driven enforcement in addressing the increasingly complex nature of cross border crime and illicit trade.
Through initiatives such as the CENcomm3 training, RILO ESA continues to support Customs administrations in building stronger intelligence capabilities and fostering closer regional cooperation for safer and more secure borders.
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