WINDHOEK, Namibia (BG) – The Southern African Development Community (SADC), with support from the European Union (EU), has launched a strategy to improve border operations at Namibia’s Trans Kalahari Border Post.

The initiative aims to streamline trade processes, reduce clearance times, and strengthen regional economic integration.

Launched on March 12-13, 2025, in Windhoek, the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) Strategy seeks to ease bottlenecks, enhance agency coordination, and improve infrastructure.

A Time Release Study (TRS) found that clearing imported goods at the border takes an average of 5 hours and 31 minutes, while exports take 4 hours and 34 minutes.

The report recommends measures to simplify procedures, improve risk management, and boost trade efficiency.

Namibia Revenue Agency Commissioner Sam Shivute reaffirmed the country’s commitment to SADC’s trade agenda and the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement.

He emphasized the need for inter-agency cooperation and infrastructure upgrades.

Alcides Monteiro, senior program officer for customs at SADC, highlighted the TRS as a vital tool for increasing regional trade competitiveness. He called for improved coordination, digital infrastructure, and the adoption of new technologies at border posts.

The CBM Strategy aligns with SADC’s Free Trade Area goals and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The initiative aims to attract investment and enhance Namibia’s role in regional trade by streamlining border operations.