The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), together with the Government of Seychelles and the Customs Division of the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC), officially launched an Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO) on 17 June 2026 at the L’Escale Resort and Spa Hotel. The ceremony, attended by senior officials from COMESA, the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the SRC, marked a milestone in the digitisation of trade documentation for the region. The eCO platform replaces the traditional paper‑based certificate, allowing exporters and importers to apply for, receive and store certificates entirely online. By automating verification processes and integrating with customs systems across member states, the system aims to reduce processing times, lower administrative costs and mitigate the risk of forgery. SRC Chief Executive Sheryl Barra highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s broader strategy to modernise tax and customs operations, improve revenue collection and enhance transparency. The launch forms part of a wider programme to strengthen digital trade facilitation under the COMESA Economic Partnership Agreement, which seeks to boost intra‑regional commerce. Participants praised the collaborative effort that made the project possible, noting that the eCO system will facilitate smoother movement of goods, support small‑and‑medium enterprises and reinforce Seychelles’ position as a regional hub for trade. The platform is now open for use by all traders and customs brokers operating within the COMESA bloc.