In a significant move towards regional economic integration, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat recently conducted a detailed study visit at the Mwami/Mchinji border post, which connects Zambia and Malawi. This initiative is part of a commitment made during the 13th Ministerial Task Force (MTF) meeting on Regional Economic Integration in July 2013 in Maputo, Mozambique, where ministers vowed to improve border efficiencies and trade facilitation at crucial border points.
The assessment, led by Alcides Monteiro, Senior Programme Officer – Customs, took place from October 21 to 25, 2024. The study aimed to evaluate several key factors, including the operating hours of 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. Additionally, the team assessed the time needed for goods clearance and the status of ICT connectivity at the border.
The Mwami/Mchinji border post is a vital hub along the North-South Corridor, facilitating not only trade between Zambia and Malawi but also with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It operates under a juxtapose model, which has streamlined cross-border goods movement significantly.
The One Stop Border Post was inaugurated in December 2022 by the Presidents of Malawi and Zambia, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, respectively. This milestone underscores both nations’ dedication to implementing the MTF’s regional integration decisions.
The recent assessment found that the Mwami/Mchinji border post is operational 24/7 for tourism and passenger traffic, and open for commercial goods for 12 hours daily. This improvement has accelerated goods clearance and reduced congestion, with the post currently handling an average of 300 trucks per day. These enhancements align with the SADC Protocol on Trade and the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, promoting efficient trade practices throughout the region.
Moreover, the SADC team noted a strategic reduction in the number of agencies operating at the Mwami/Mchinji border. Key agencies, including Customs, Immigration, and the Bureau of Standards, are now collaborating more effectively, enhancing overall border operational efficiency.
The establishment of the OSBP at Mwami/Mchinji marks the fourth OSBP in the SADC region, setting a standard for future projects and providing a model for best practices in trade facilitation.
As the SADC Secretariat continues to monitor and support these initiatives, the Mwami/Mchinji border post exemplifies the benefits of collaboration and commitment to regional economic growth, paving the way for a more integrated and prosperous Southern Africa.