Faster Clearance, More Products: Zambia–Tanzania Trade Boosts Cross-Border Business
Zambia and Tanzania have reaffirmed their strong bilateral ties and commitment to enhancing trade facilitation following a Joint Ministerial Visit to the Tunduma/Nakonde One Stop Border Post (OSBP) on 23 February 2026.
The visit was undertaken at the invitation of Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, and involved Mulambo Haimbe, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Zambia.
The two Ministers recognised the long-standing historical and brotherly relations between the two countries and commended Samia Suluhu Hassan and Hakainde Hichilema for their leadership in advancing bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation.
During the visit, the Ministers inspected the operationalisation of the OSBP and associated infrastructure. They also held bilateral discussions, during which they emphasised the need to further deepen cooperation anchored on harmonised standards, reciprocity and adherence to regional and international trade frameworks.
The Ministers praised progress made through Joint Trade Committee meetings convened since 2023, which have helped resolve 14 out of 24 reported trade barriers. These include the consolidation of council levies and clarification of employment regulations. Both countries agreed to establish a functional Non-Tariff Barrier Monitoring System by August 2026.
They further welcomed progress under the Simplified Trade Regime (STR), noting that the list of eligible products has expanded from 22 to 48, enhancing opportunities for small-scale cross-border traders. The conclusion of the addendum to the 2017 STR Agreement was also commended as a key legal framework supporting traders around the Nakonde–Tunduma border.
The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to fully operationalising the OSBP in line with the 2017 Operational Manual through the co-location of customs, immigration and health officials. They also directed experts from both countries to establish a bilateral mechanism to monitor the implementation of trade agreements under the WTO, AfCFTA and SADC, with monthly progress reports.
Digitalisation was highlighted as a critical tool for improving efficiency, with both sides agreeing to collaborate on the implementation of an advanced electronic cargo tracking system. The Ministers also agreed to fast-track the signing and operationalisation of the Zombe/Kasesya OSBP as a medium- to long-term solution to congestion at Nakonde–Tunduma.
Additionally, concerns raised by Zambia regarding delays caused by clearing and forwarding agents and inland container depots in Dar es Salaam were acknowledged, with assurances that the issues would be addressed.
The two countries reiterated their commitment to strategic projects along the TANZAM Corridor, including the revitalisation of the TAZARA Railway, construction of a new TAZAMA petroleum pipeline, development of a natural gas pipeline, and expansion and modernisation of the OSBP.
During the visit, five additional trade-related issues were resolved, including the completion of a packing yard on the Zambian side, deployment of a mobile scanner donated by Tanzania, integration of electronic single window systems, introduction of 24-hour operations at Nakonde, and completion of key road infrastructure works.
Both Ministers expressed confidence that the outcomes of the Joint Ministerial Visit would significantly enhance trade efficiency and deliver mutual benefits to the peoples of Zambia and Tanzania.
