Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) today hosted senior customs officials from Benin, Cameroon and Nigeria, along with representatives from Afreximbank, on a benchmarking mission to the modernised Beitbridge Border Post.
The visit aims to give delegates first-hand insight into the transformation of the border post, which was upgraded under a public-private partnership between the Government and the Zimborders Consortium.
Welcoming the delegation, Acting Commissioner for Customs and Excise Mrs Lonto Ndlovu said the visit reflects a shared commitment to advancing trade facilitation and strengthening customs cooperation across Africa.
“Permit me to extend a very warm Zimbabwean welcome to our distinguished guests from Benin, Cameroon, Nigeria and Afreximbank,” said Mrs Ndlovu.
“Your presence here reflects our collective commitment to advancing trade facilitation, strengthening customs cooperation and building a more integrated and prosperous Africa.”
The delegation included Afreximbank Director for Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion, Dr Gainmore Zanamwe; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Director General of Customs, Cameroon, Mr Fongod Edwin Nuvaga; and Director General of Customs for Benin, Colonel Raouf Malèhossou Aboudou. Representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Industry and Commerce also attended.
Mrs Ndlovu thanked Afreximbank for facilitating the initiative, noting that the bank continues to support practical solutions to unlock intra-African trade.
“Today’s programme represents much more than a study visit. It is an opportunity for honest dialogue, professional exchange and mutual learning,” she said.
“Customs administrations across the continent face similar challenges of facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding revenue and borders.”
The Acting Commissioner highlighted Beitbridge’s transformation through strategic investment, digital innovation and the concession model with Zimborders.
“Beitbridge Border Post has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years as the Government sought to improve the movement of goods and people while enhancing transparency, revenue collection and service delivery,” she said.
“We share its journey—one characterised by continuous improvement, innovation and valuable lessons learned. We remain equally eager to learn from the experiences, innovations and best practices represented by every delegation.”
The day’s programme is set to include presentations on the Beitbridge Modernisation Programme, findings from the technical mission, a guided tour of facilities, and a leadership dialogue.
Mrs Ndlovu also acknowledged border management agencies for their role in integrated border management.
“Increasingly, our success will not be measured solely by how effectively we control our borders, but by how efficiently we enable legitimate trade, support economic growth and connect African markets,” she said.
She said every partnership and lesson shared brings Africa closer to the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
