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Namibia unlocks an integrated future
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a regional economic community of 16 member states in Southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, the Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, the Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its primary goal is to promote economic development, regional integration and peace and security in the region. One significant obstacle to achieving these objectives have been the often cumbersome and restrictive border regulations that hinder the free flow of goods, people and capital across SADC member states. Easing shared border regulations in the SADC region holds the potential to unlock economic growth, improve livelihoods and foster greater regional integration.
Facilitating increased domestic and international trade through coordinated intra and inter-border management, Namibia launched the 24-hour operation at the Katima Mulilo border post in the Zambezi Region which borders Zambia.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Dr Albert Kawana, said he believes that the move will have tremendous economic benefits for both countries as the business community will now be able to conduct business between the two countries on a 24-hour basis. “Our truckers will no longer need to sleep at the border posts waiting to be cleared in the morning when the border opens. Required goods and services will be delivered on time to the consumers. It is, therefore, our hope that the volumes passing through the Katima Mulilo border posts will increase”, Kawana said.
BENEFITS
Enhanced Trade: Reducing border barriers will stimulate trade to boost economic growth, create jobs and increase revenue for governments through increased customs duties.
Easier movement of goods and services across borders will lower prices for consumers and increase access to a wider range of products.
Attract Investment: A more business-friendly environment created by streamlined border regulations will attract foreign direct investment (FDI), fuelling economic development.
Greater Regional Integration: Easing border regulations is a crucial step towards achieving the full potential of regional integration in the SADC. It fosters a sense of unity, cooperation and shared objectives among member states, which is essential for sustainable development.
Zambia’s Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Jacob Mwiimbu, commended the two countries’ efforts in realising this milestone. “The adjustment in operating hours at this border will undoubtedly ease the movement of persons and goods across the border and increase trade volumes through the Walvis Bay Lubumbashi economic corridor, which is a strategic corridor for Zambia. This aligns with Zambia’s eighth national development plan strategy of facilitating increased domestic and international trade through coordinated intra and inter-border management, essential in realising Zambia’s aspiration to become a prosperous middle-income nation by 2030”, Mwiimbu said.
Easing shared border regulations in the SADC region is a vital step toward achieving the community's economic development and regional integration goals. By reducing trade barriers, improving efficiency, and fostering greater cooperation among member states, SADC can unlock its full potential and become a stronger force for economic growth and prosperity in Southern Africa. The benefits of such efforts will extend to the people of the region, creating a brighter and more integrated future for all.
