Tanzania, Burundi closer to one-stop border post • 2017-09-13

Tanzania and Burundi have made progress towards operationalising the one-stop border post (OSBP) concept at Kabanga/Kobero border on a pilot basis.

This follows the construction of temporary structures and installation of ICT systems at the border with support from TradeMark Africa (TMA).

The two governments signed an OSBP bilateral agreement in 2011 which enables the neighbouring countries to implement the concept while waiting for an OSBP law, which is in the offing.

According to the tentative timetable released at a recent bilateral meeting in the town of Gitega in Burundi, the pilot phase of the OSBP operations could start as early as June 7.

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

Clearance will also improve following more automation of operations.

READ: Joint posts set to ease border clearance

Under the OSBP concept, people entering Burundi will bypass Kabanga border post in Tanzania and proceed to Kobero in Burundi where Tanzanian Customs and immigration officials will work side by side.

Likewise, those entering Tanzania will bypass Kobero and stop only at Kabanga where officials of both countries will be working together.

According to Customs officials Adelius Francis of Tanzania and Bigirimana Felix Burundi, on average the border serves between 50 and 70 trucks per day, with more traffic moving from Tanzania into Burundi.

Source: The African