One stop border post set to open • 2017-09-14

IN SUMMARY
But with the temporary structure at the Kabanga-Kobero border, the clearing authorities will run the system on a pilot basis as they await a legal framework and the set-up of a permanent structure.

The launching of the transactions at the border will be a huge relief to travellers and traders from the two countries as they will now only stop once for customs clearance instead of twice, thereby cutting cost and time spent at the border.

Tanzania and Burundi have edged closer to rolling out one-stop border post in a bid to boost trade.

This follows the construction of a temporary structure and installation of the required ICT systems, a project that was funded with support from TradeMark Africa (TMA).

The two countries signed the border post bilateral deal in 2011 but were yet to implement the system.

But with the temporary structure at the Kabanga-Kobero border, the clearing authorities will run the system on a pilot basis as they await a legal framework and the set-up of a permanent structure.

According to the customs officials in both countries, on average, the border serves between 50 and 70 trucks per day, with more traffic moving from Tanzania to Burundi.

“Sometimes we attend to more than 100 trucks,” said Mr Bigirimana Felix from Burundi who also works at Kobero border post.

Source: The Daily Nation