The Walvis Bay-NdolaLubumbashi Development Corridor (WBNLDC) is working with the governments of Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to bring down the costs of doing business for users of the corridor. “We are working with the governments to address both the tariff and nontariff barriers,” cluster secretariat consultant Eric Shimumbwe told FTW. One of the barriers is a 90-kilometre stretch of road infrastructure between Sesheke and Kazungula on the Zambia/Botswana border, which is in “dire need” of rehabilitation. The Zambian government is being encouraged to prioritise it, particularly with the construction of the Kazungula Bridge across the Zambezi river at Kazungula, which is due to be completed and commissioned in 2020. Another trade facilitation challenge is cross-border delays and congestion at Wenela and Katima Mulilo border posts due to a range of problems, including inadequate parking space, power outages (the genset at Wenela is not in good working order), and inadequate manpower to handle the increasing volumes. Zambia and Namibia have been holding bilateral talks regarding the establishment of a One Stop Border Post (OSBP) at Katima Mulilo. It is expected to be piloted in December this year. There are also regular meetings between private and public sector stakeholders on the corridor from all three countries. These are helping to address many of the “soft” issues such as those caused by unnecessary red tape, he says. These meetings also promote regional cooperation and integration among the member states.
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We are working with the governments to address both the tariff and nontariff barriers. – Eric Shimumbwe
