African border operations face challenges amid push for one-stop posts

Efforts to streamline regional trade through One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) are facing both operational challenges and strategic expansion across Africa.

In East Africa, the National Assembly Select Committee on Regional Integration assessed the Busia and Malaba border points. Officials reported that operations are currently hindered by technological gaps, limited parking space, smuggling, and cross-border crime. While 3D scanning technology is utilized to inspect trucks entering Kenya from Uganda for safety and tax compliance, the committee is also monitoring the progress of the proposed Jumuia Market in Busia to promote inclusive trade among East African traders.

In Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is pushing to accelerate the establishment of OSBPs to reduce transit delays. Following the 46th SADC Summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need to prevent trucks from spending days at borders. The OSBP model aims to consolidate immigration, customs, and security checks from neighboring countries into a single facility, reducing duplicated processes and lowering transport costs through coordinated digital systems and electronic information sharing.