Govt. Mark Africa sign US$11M agreement for Nakonde Border

GOVERNMENT and Trade Mark Africa have signed an agreement for the implementation of the US$11 million worth first phase of the upgrade of Nakonde one stop border post.

The agreement involves the signing of partner support agreement and a project charter.

The project will see Trade Mark Africa, the implementing firm which is present in 12 African countries, improve infrastructure at the border which will lead to reduced time at the facility.

Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane says the project will reduce the time cargo transits at the border from an average of five days to just under 24 hours.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka on Wednesday, Dr Musokotwane said the interventions will improve trade not just between Zambia and Tanzania but also for the rest of the region.

“This initiative encompasses a wide array of interventions, including infrastructure improvements, modern scanning systems, digitization of clearance processes, cross-border interconnectivity for information exchange, smart digital solutions, change management and integrated border management,” Dr Musokotwane said.

The Minister said Government will ensure timely delivery of the project.

Dr Musokotwane pointed out that stakeholders will be informed on the changes that will come with the agreement.

“I implore all stakeholders to start preparing for the coming changes and draw up change management plans in consultation with Trade Mark Africa,” he said.

And Trade Mark Africa, Chief Executive Officer, David Beer said the firm is determined to enhance operational efficiency through digitalisation, streamline the clearance process, and forge stronger trade links along the Dar- es- Salaam corridor.

Mr Beer emphasized the importance of the facility saying the one stop border post is one of the busiest entry and exit port facilitating imports and exports for Zambia and on average, clearing 800 vehicles daily.

“These carry anything from gas, oil, vehicles, mining machinery and lubricants, to copper, cobalt and agricultural exports. The border is a major transit port, with an average of 750 import, export and transit trucks using the route daily. It facilitates the export and import trade not just for Zambia and Tanzania, but also for the DRC and Zimbabwe. 65 percent of cargo transits through Zambia destined for other countries,” he stated.

And British High Commissioner, Nicholas Woolley disclosed that his Government will finance an additional 2 million United States dollars from the initial 8.2 million United States dollars allocated for the project.

Mr Woolley said 800 thousand United States dollars has already been funded for preliminary works on the project.

The British envoy justified the reason behind the adjustment to the funds meant for the project.

“While this agreement is for 8.2 million United States dollars, initial returns from the procurement process recently revealed that total project cost will likely exceed 10 million United States dollars, leaving a potential 2 million dollar shortfall,” Mr Woolley said.