Zambia and Namibia Advance Cross-Border Trade with Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post
Zambia and Namibia have taken a bold step toward transforming cross-border trade and regional integration with the commencement of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting on the operationalisation of the Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) in Livingstone, Zambia.
The meeting marks a major milestone in the two countries’ commitment to enhancing trade facilitation through infrastructure and policy coordination. The OSBP, anchored in a bilateral agreement signed on June 21, 2024, in Katima Mulilo, Namibia, is poised to streamline customs procedures, reduce congestion, and improve clearance times along the crucial trade corridor.
The JTC meeting builds on progress made in January 2025, when Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry led the first Joint Trade Committee discussions in Sesheke, focusing on draft terms of reference (ToRs) and governance structures for the OSBP.
Chairing the technical deliberations are Mr. Derrick Sikombe, representing Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, and Mr. Willbroad Poniso, Head of Customs and Excise at the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA). The two officials highlighted the importance of consensus-driven and action-oriented planning.
“The time for implementation is now,” said Mr. Sikombe. “This OSBP is not just infrastructure—it’s a gateway to economic growth and regional integration that will benefit traders, businesses, and communities on both sides of the border.”
Mr. Poniso echoed the sentiment, urging stakeholders to focus on a practical and clearly defined implementation plan. “Our goal is to reduce clearance delays and promote trade efficiency through a streamlined, harmonized border system.”
The governance framework under development will guide the coordination of customs, immigration, and security operations at the OSBP. Once operational, the facility is expected to enhance mobility, competitiveness, and livelihoods across the Southern African region.
