ECONOMISTS have called for an urgent collaborative approach to resolve trade bottlenecks in southern Africa, following a new study that highlighted significant barriers at key border posts across the region.
The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) launched the ‘Time Release Study along the North-South Corridor’ last week to assist member States in addressing these bottlenecks.
A key finding from the survey noted that the average clearance and transit time for northbound cargo from Durban Port (South Africa) to Kasumbalesa (DRC) was 15 days, 21 hours and five minutes.
It identified these bottlenecks at the Beitbridge and Chirundu One-Stop Border Posts.
Consequently, the report encouraged member States to implement coordinated border management systems, supported by robust information sharing among administrators along the corridor, to enhance the efficiency of regional trade facilitation efforts.
Economist Stevenson Dhlamini told NewsDay Business that the study was a “significant step” towards enhancing trade efficiency and reducing the cost of doing business in the region.
“By systematically assessing delays and inefficiencies at key entry points, this study provides a critical evidence base for Zimbabwean policymakers and stakeholders to address bottlenecks that hinder trade,” he said.
“For Zimbabwe, this initiative holds particular promise for revitalising our manufacturing sector, which has long been constrained by high transaction costs and logistical challenges. The potential benefits are clear: smoother trade flows, faster turnaround times for exports and imports, and ultimately, improved competitiveness for local businesses.”
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He noted that implementing recommendations from the report would help resuscitate the struggling manufacturing sector.
“However, realising these benefits will require concerted action to implement the study’s recommendations,” Dhlamini said.
“This includes upgrading infrastructure, fostering better coordination among other border agencies and adopting technology-driven solutions to streamline customs processes.”
By prioritising these reforms, he added, Zimbabwe could not only reduce trade barriers but also positions itself as a more attractive destination for investment.
“The time release study is not just a diagnostic tool-kit but a roadmap for building a more efficient and dynamic trade environment that can drive sustainable economic growth,” Dhlamini said.
The need for better trade facilitation processes comes as Zimbabwe’s merchandise exports stood at US$7,9 billion against imports of US$9,1 billion last year.
This led to a trade deficit of US$1,2 billion.
Economist Prosper Chitambara said the report was critical in terms of promoting integration and enhancing the overall competitiveness of Zimbabwe, the region and the continent.
“It is an important study which seeks to determine the key cost drivers in terms of trade at the border and inefficiencies, which I think is critical, especially within the framework of Zimbabwe and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
“So, removing inefficiencies at the border, reducing the cost of trade at the border are critical in promoting integration by enhancing the overall competitiveness of the region and the continent.”
Vince Musewe, another economist, said corruption and politics, coupled with a lack of investment in new infrastructure, hindered the growth of the region.
“Inter and intra-regional trade are key for economic development. Infrastructure and logistics play a central role in increasing trade. We can certainly do better because the movement of goods and services within the region is too costly and limits growth,” he said.
“This is further arbitraged by corruption, which increases the cost of doing business. The region has not been able to exploit its full potential because of politics and lack of investment in new infrastructure.”
