Join the Training of Trainers Seminar on One Stop Boarder Post (OSBP)

Design and Operations

28 to 29 July 2021 | 10:00am – 12:00pm SAST (GMT+2) on both days – Register Here

While trade has been a key driver to bring rapid growth to the African continent, there remain several operational issues among companies trading in Africa. One example is that the complexity of customs procedures between borders. Intra-regional trade is often hindered by the long procedures involved in passing through two sets of identical controls on each side of the border. Lengthy transit times increase the cost of trade and make African businesses less competitive. Against this backdrop, One Stop Border Post (OSBP), as a central tool for improving border operations, began to be applied across Africa in the 2000s. The Chirundu OSBP, which was opened in 2009 serving Zambia and Zimbabwe, is considered the first fully functional OSBP in Africa. Currently, 105 OSBPs on the continent are at the planning or implementation stage.

OSBP has been central to enhance the interconnectivity of markets as well as regional integration on the continent. In 2019, AUDA-NEPAD, in partnership with EAC and JICA, co-organised “Training of Trainers and Data Collection Seminar for RECs” in Kigali to strengthen the development and operations of OSBP via knowledge sharing among RECs. The seminar raised awareness of the importance of 1) monitoring and evaluation of pre and post-construction of the OSBP, 2) ensuring a sustainable supply of utilities, 3) taking advantage of OSBP procedure manual developed by EAC.

This seminar is an opportunity for representatives of RECs, partner organisations, and think tanks to discuss key issues concerning OSBP’s operational and procedural elements in alignment with the AfCFTA. It is also an opportune time to discuss the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on border post operations and how OSBPs can adjust and adapt. Some of the key points the seminar will consider include:

• What criteria and considerations in the architectural design of an OSBP can help to streamline procedures and enhance border efficiency?

• Taking into account the challenges posed by COVID-19, how can the health protocols be mainstreamed within the OSBP functions and border procedures?

• How can operational and technical elements of the OSBP support better streamlining of procedures?

Speakers include:

Suleiman Athumani, Senior Engineer, EAC

Bernard Dzawanda, Senior Transport Economist, COMESA

Trudi Hartzenberg, Executive Director, Trade Law Centre (Tralac)

Yuriko Doi, Deputy Director, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Please Register Here