‘Customs harmonisation will enhance regional integration’

The harmonisation of cross border freight within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will not only boost inter-regional trade but also increase economic integration. According to Francis Chitsiku, operations controller for Falcongate Logistics, harmonisation of cross border freight should also remain high on the agenda of both the public and private sectors in an effort to address the numerous challenges faced at border posts. Frequently using borderposts such as Beitbridge, Nyamapanda, Mwanza, Dedza, Mchinji and Cassacatiza, Chitsiku has seen improvements over the past few years but several challenges remain. “There are more truck stops at Nyamapanda for instance and this has definitely resulted in less road congestion, but we still have to address some major challenges such as the lack of communication infrastructure – especially further northwards where constant electricity blackouts result in offline systems.” He says the harmonisation of cross border freight is therefore a major opportunity to improve operations between countries. With corporates such as Spar, Woolworths and Pick n Pay expanding their operations in the SADC region, there is also much opportunity for the movement of goods. “Falcongate Logistics is currently moving into a new refrigerated service into Malawi to extend our reach there.”