Mwami/Mchinji One Stop Border Post Boosts Regional Trade and Efficiency Between Malawi and Zambia
The Mwami/Mchinji One Stop Border Post (OSBP) between Malawi and Zambia has become a symbol of enhanced regional economic cooperation, following a comprehensive study visit by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat.
This visit, led by Alcides Monteiro, Senior Programme Officer for Customs at SADC, represents a critical step in realizing the trade facilitation goals set by the SADC Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Regional Economic Integration.
The study, conducted from October 21 to 25, 2024, focused on assessing border efficiency through the One Stop Border Post initiative, which enables streamlined operations by housing both countries’ border agencies at a single point.
Key aspects examined included the effectiveness of transit processes, ICT connectivity, operating hours, and the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) system, aiming to enhance trade efficiency within the Southern African region.
Since its inauguration in December 2022 by Malawi’s President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, the Mwami/Mchinji OSBP has established itself as a crucial node along the North-South Corridor.
This route not only supports the movement of goods between Malawi and Zambia but also connects to other regional markets, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
The assessment revealed that the border post now operates 24/7 for passenger traffic and 12 hours daily for commercial goods. This schedule has significantly reduced congestion and increased the speed at which goods can be processed, with an average of 300 trucks passing through each day.
The SADC team also observed a coordinated reduction in the number of border agencies operating at the border post. Key stakeholders like Customs, Immigration, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary services are now collaborating more efficiently, aligning with international best practices.
As the fourth OSBP in the SADC region, the Mwami/Mchinji post reflects a high level of commitment to the SADC Protocol on Trade and the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. The OSBP model not only fosters a smoother movement of goods but also serves as a beacon for best practices in regional trade facilitation.
Looking ahead, the SADC Secretariat plans to continue monitoring and supporting such initiatives, ensuring that the Mwami/Mchinji border remains a vital conduit for trade and a model for future economic integration efforts across Southern Africa.
Source: SADC
