Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu, Zimpapers Writer
Zimbabwe continues to reap benefits from its membership to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), which works closely with the Government in implementing projects and programmes that promote trade and investment in line with the broader regional economic integration agenda.
As one of the founding members of Comesa, the country has significantly benefitted from the regional economic community.
The benefits range from capacity building, support for upgrading legal frameworks to align with regional expectations, and key infrastructure development.
Notably, Zimbabwe has received support for trade facilitation initiatives on the infrastructure side. The upgrading of Chirundu Border Post at a cost of about 4 million Euros under a sub-delegation agreement signed between Zimbabwe and Comesa on February 4, 2021 is one good example.
The project was implemented through the support from the 11th European Union Development Fund (EDF).
Under this agreement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade coordinated the implementation of all activities related to the Chirundu Border Post (CBP) upgrade, while Comesa managed the funds.
The upgrade included the review of One-Stop Border Post legislation and the provision of capacity building for border agents, among other initiatives.
Comesa was one of the foreign organisations that participated at the recent Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo and showcased a range of its products and services including the milestone impacts achieved together with Zimbabwe.
Ms Bonakele Ndzinisa, a trade officer within the Comesa Secretariat who was in Bulawayo said the Chirundu Border Post project, which links Zimbabwe and Zambia and the North-South Corridor is a key trade facilitation project within the region.
“Overall, the project focused on three key result areas: upgrading the Chirundu Border Post, effective project management, and efficient communication of project outputs and outcomes,” she said.
According to Comesa, the thematic areas of the project covered implementation of Coordinated Border Management (CBM) including review of legislative, administrative frameworks, procedures for cooperation for improved and harmonised legislation, upgrading of trade facilitation infrastructure and equipment at the border post – for quick and orderly service, electronic clearance and quicker movement of traffic.
Ms Ndzinisa said some of the infrastructure and equipment procured and installed include; coldroom repair and functionality, procurement of cargo scanner, baggage scanner, bioscopes, smart gages, tower lights, air conditioners, power back-up system, plus the establishment of a mini lab and its equipment.
Zimbabwe has also benefited from enhanced digital connectivity and the one-stop border post operations, which facilitate secure trade supply chains across the corridor.
“This has led to automated border processes with CBM and electronic SW enabled, improved performance measurement of the border post, seamless intra agency, informed and compliant clients,” said Ms Ndzinisa.
“Comesa’s programmes have significantly contributed to Zimbabwe’s economic growth by promoting trade, industrialisation, and regional co-operation.”
Other benefits include capacity building for an improved human capital performance and border efficiency through training and sensitisation to the coordinating ministry, border agencies and the private sector on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Programme.
“The primary objectives of the cooperation between the Comesa Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to establish a legal framework for collaboration to facilitate the implementation of the Comesa Trade Facilitation Programme, as well as providing financial support for the implementation of the programme,” she said.
Following the successful implementation of the project, Chirundu Border Post has upgraded its systems to support single window operations, improved technology and border lighting systems, electronic smart gates and digital cargo tracking seals, cross border interconnectivity with other agencies, as well as integration of the Zimbabwean systems to the entire Comesa systems.
“Comesa also supported Zimbabwe in the procurement of various equipment to enhance both domestic and international trade,” Ms Ndzinisa said.
“This includes various metrology tools under the Comesa Trade Facilitation Programme such as rapid testing kits and other measurement equipment for national metrology institutes.
“The value of the rapid testing kits alone is approximately 227 526 Euros. The aim was to enhance the country’s capacity to ensure product quality and compliance with international standards.”
Zimbabwe has also benefited from the implementation of the Small-Scale Cross Border Trade Initiative (SSCBTI), which aims to support traders by providing simplified customs procedures to enhance their participation in cross-border trade. “This initiative involves assisting member States in negotiating the Common List for the Simplified Trade Regime (STR). Zimbabwe and Zambia have been supported to successfully negotiate a Common List under the STR, resulting in several benefits,” said Ms Ndzinisa.
Given the global challenge of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), which are employed by many countries to protect their markets, Comesa has supported Zimbabwe to establish its NTBs institutions in line with the Comesa Regulation on NTBs Elimination.
This has led to the formation of a National Monitoring Committee and a National Strategy for NTBs elimination.
These have assisted in local capacity building interventions and informed the creation of an SMS Tool, which facilitates the reporting and tracking of NTBs, making it easier for stakeholders to address issues promptly.
“The implementation of the trade facilitation programme has enhanced Zimbabwe’s industrial co-operation with other Comesa member States, such as Zambia, thereby increasing the competitiveness of goods produced in the country,” said Ms Ndzinisa.
“This aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy and Vision 2030. Zimbabwe’s participation in regional integration has helped the country harmonise policies and improve regional trade dynamics.”
