Mwami-Mchinji One-Stop Border Post to be launched soon

ZAMBIA and Malawi have made extensive progress on resolving the key outstanding issues towards the operationalisation and launch of the Mwami –Mchinji OneStop Border Post (OSBP) between the two countries.

Among the key outstanding issues to be in place before its commissioning are; installation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment, procurement of office furniture and finalisation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Other issues are training of border staff on the operations of the OSBP, finalisation and enactment of the OSBP enabling legislation by Malawi, and preparations for the joint launch of the Mwami-Mchinji border facilities.

These were genuine outstanding issues which needed to be addressed before the actual launch could be done, according to Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga.

“I am glad to note that progress has been made towards finalisation and enactment of the OSBP enabling legislation by Malawi, procurement of office furniture and ICT equipment on the Zambian side, finalisation of SOPS, and training of border staff on the operations of the OSBP on both sides,” Mr Mulenga said at the Zambia-Malawi bilateral ministerial meeting.

Mr Mulenga said senior officials had made bold proposals which would nurture historic and fraternal relations and give impetus to the implementation of the OSBP.

And the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr John Mulongoti noted the commitment shown by Malawi towards fostering and nurturing greater trade ties with Zambia.

At national level, Mr Mulongoti said, a committee of Permanent Secretaries, from key line ministries had been put in place to spearhead the establishment and operationalisation of all OSBP initiatives.

In response, Malawi Trade and Industry Minister Mark Katsonga Phiri hoped that both countries would appreciate the importance of fast tracking process of operationalising the OSBP at the Mchinji Mwami border.