Fostering intra-Africa trade and realising the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives hinges on developing smart corridors in southern Africa. Achieving this goal demands extensive cooperation among multiple stakeholders and greater harmonisation across countries. According to Lwazi Mboyi, CEO of the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA), harmonising systems, processes and regulations – not only within countries but across borders and corridors as well – remains the biggest challenge. It is also the most critical factor for fostering intra-Africa trade and supporting the objectives of the AfCFTA.“It is evident that outdated and disruptive systems hinder trade growth, causing border delays and impacting freight movement,” he tells Freight News. “However, there is growing recognition among stakeholders of the benefits of harmonisation. “There is a pressing need to align systems and processes across borders.”Mboyi says there has been increased traction in this regard as the importance of harmonisation for the continent’s corridors is fully understood. “There are increased efforts under way, and countries are increasingly opening up communication around finding ways to improve cargo f low and reduce delays.”He says the process is not about implementing one country’s systems; rather, it’s about realising that integration between systems is necessa r y.“We are seeing a move towards transitioning away from manual systems to various IT platforms, which is very encouraging. This is the first step towards harmonisation in an effort to get our IT systems to speak to each other. “As countries in the region, we are also meeting as part of the cross-border regulatory forum, focusing on finding ways to align regional systems and address challenges collectively.”According to Mboyi, while legislative amendments are still necessary for each country, there is an increased openness towards adjusting operating models to facilitate a less restrained trade movement. “Through partnerships and collaboration, we can assist traders in navigating regulatory hurdles. Our office plays a crucial role in connecting with regulators across different countries to resolve challenges that traders encounter. “This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring seamless trade and realising the full potential of the AfCFTA.”Mboyi says improving infrastructure is just as critical to ensuring the success of the cross-border trade sector. The importance of enhancing multi-modal transportation infrastructure cannot be overstated, he adds, especially considering its pivotal role in establishing and operating production value chains.“We are working closely with our colleagues in the Democratic Republic of Congo to improve infrastructure and systems and to reduce delays at border posts. We are also working through some requests made by the Angolan government.”
Harmonisation is key to free trade treaty’s success
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