Zambia has successfully reduced border clearance times for goods and travelers by 60 percent, reflecting significant progress in trade facilitation efforts. This improvement was revealed in the third Time Release Survey conducted at the Chirundu and Kazungula One-Stop Border Posts (OSBP). The survey, jointly led by Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), was supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). According to the survey, average clearance times have dropped from over 48 hours in 2022 to under 14 hours in 2024, marking a substantial achievement in expediting trade processes.
The findings were officially presented at the Survey Report launch in Lusaka, where ZRA Commissioner-General Dingani Banda highlighted that, while these results are promising, they are just one step in Zambia’s broader plan for economic growth. Banda stressed that continued progress would depend on active engagement with the survey’s recommendations, noting the government’s dedication to both economic expansion and streamlined trade. However, he emphasized the need for a concerted effort among government agencies, industry participants, and stakeholders to further reduce clearance times and address remaining challenges.
In recent years, Zambia has focused on modernizing customs processes to enhance trade facilitation, revenue collection, and economic development. Banda pointed to the Time Release Survey as a key tool in this endeavor, explaining that it helps assess customs efficiency and pinpoints areas that need improvement. Among the reforms implemented is Coordinated Border Management (CBM), which ensures that relevant agencies work together at Chirundu and Kazungula to avoid redundancies and improve overall efficiency. Another major reform is mandatory pre-clearance, requiring electronic submission of cargo declaration data, which allows customs officials to process shipments before they reach the border, reducing wait times significantly.
Lillian Bwalya, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, discussed the survey results and underlined the value of time measurement studies in improving border procedures. She pointed out that Zambia has been carrying out comparable research since 2019 and has finished nine of them so far, all of which have evaluated and improved the effectiveness of clearance processes. In addition to offering a quantifiable means of monitoring advancement, these research have helped bring about significant adjustments that speed up processing times. Notwithstanding these advancements, Bwalya admitted that problems still exist. She identified two major
The collaborative efforts of ZRA, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, and international partners like JICA underscore Zambia’s dedication to creating an environment that fosters economic growth and international trade. The enhancements at Chirundu and Kazungula—two crucial points on the regional trade route—are expected to bolster Zambia’s competitiveness as a trade hub in Southern Africa. The faster processing times not only benefit Zambian businesses but also enhance the country’s appeal as a transit point for neighboring countries. By reducing the time it takes for goods to cross borders, Zambia is better positioned to support regional trade, boost revenue, and strengthen its economy.
Banda and Bwalya’s statements signal the government’s recognition that, while great progress has been made, more work lies ahead. With additional resources, expanded staffing, and enhanced system integration, Zambia could further reduce border wait times and solidify its role as a regional trade facilitator. The Time Release Survey serves as a crucial measure of this ongoing journey, and the government’s commitment to acting on its findings will determine how Zambia continues to advance in the years to come.
