In a significant step towards fostering regional economic integration, the Mwami/Mchinji border post, which connects Zambia and Malawi, has been the focus of a detailed study visit conducted by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat. This initiative is part of a broader commitment made during the 13th Ministerial Task Force (MTF) meeting on Regional Economic Integration held in July 2013 in Maputo, Mozambique, where ministers pledged to enhance border efficiencies and trade facilitation at key border posts.
Led by Senior Programme Officer – Customs, Alcides Monteiro, the SADC team conducted its assessment from October 21 to 25, 2024. The objectives of the study were comprehensive, focusing on several critical factors including the operating hours of adjacent border posts, the implementation of the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) concept, progress on the One Stop Border Post (OSBP) initiative, and the efficiency of transit procedures. The study also aimed to evaluate the time required for goods to be released and the state of ICT connectivity at the border.
The Mwami/Mchinji one stop border post, a vital junction along the North-South Corridor, not only serves Zambia and Malawi but also facilitates trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. This border post operates under a juxtapose model, which has significantly streamlined the movement of goods across borders.
Notably, the One Stop Border Post was officially inaugurated in December 2022 by the Presidents of Malawi and Zambia, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, respectively. This landmark achievement reflects the commitment of both nations to implement the MTF's decisions on regional integration effectively.
The recent assessment revealed that the Mwami/Mchinji border post is now operational 24/7 for tourism and passenger traffic, and 12 hours a day for commercial goods. This improvement not only accelerates the clearance of goods but also alleviates congestion at the border, currently handling an impressive average of 300 trucks per day. These advancements align with the broader objectives of the SADC Protocol on Trade and World Trade Organization – Trade Facilitation Agreement, promoting efficient trade practices across the region.
Furthermore, the SADC team observed a strategic reduction in the number of border agencies operating at Mwami/Mchinji. Key agencies including Customs, Immigration, Bureau of Standards and Sanitary and Phytosanitary services now collaborate more effectively, enhancing the overall efficiency of border operations.
The implementation of the OSBP at Mwami/Mchinji marks the establishment of the fourth OSBP in the SADC region, setting a benchmark for future projects and offering a model for best practices in trade facilitation.
As the SADC Secretariat continues to monitor, evaluate and support these initiatives, the Mwami/Mchinji border post stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to regional economic growth. This development not only benefits the member states involved but sets the stage for a more integrated and prosperous Southern Africa.