In a significant step towards fostering regional economic integration, the Cuchamano/Nyamapanda Border post, which connects Zimbabwe and Mozambique, has been the focus of a detailed study visit conducted by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat. This initiative is part of a broader commitment made during the 13th Ministerial Task Force (MTF) meeting on Regional Economic Integration held in July 2013 in Maputo, Mozambique, where Ministers pledged to enhance border efficiencies and trade facilitation at key border posts.
Led by Senior Programme Officer – Customs in the Directorate of Finance Investment and Customs (FIC), Alcides Monteiro, the SADC team conducted its assessment from September 21 to 25, 2026. The border assessment mission has been conducted at Cuchamano/Nyamapanda border post to assess the effectiveness of border management and trade facilitation measures, with particular attention, among others to operating hours, transit procedures, Coordinated Border Management (CBM) concept, progress on the implementation of One Stop Border Post (OSBP) initiative, information exchange between agencies, neighboring Member States regulatory frameworks, and border infrastructure.
The SADC Secretariat team was welcomed by the two Border Posts Managers, namely Ms. Edeline Manhanga from Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and Ms. Gabriela Stela Tembe Officer in Charge from Mozambique Revenue Authority and by Government Agencies present at border posts.
The Cuchamano/Nyamapanda Border Post between Mozambique and Zimbabwe is a vital junction along the North South Corridor and Beira Corridor and does not only serve Mozambique and Zimbabwe but also facilitates trade and movement of people for Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, South Africa and Zambia among other countries.
The recent assessment established that the Cuchamano/Nyamapanda border post is currently operating everyday open from 6.00 to 20.00hrs. This improvement not only accelerates the clearance of goods but also alleviates congestion at the border, currently handling an impressive average of 80 trucks per day. These advancements align with the broader objectives of the SADC Protocol on Trade and World Trade Organization – Trade Facilitation Agreement, aiming at reducing clearance time, costs, and compliance risk.
The mission brought together relevant border management agencies such as including Customs, Immigration, Bureau of Standards, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Services, Police Services, Port Health, Road Authorities and stakeholders from the two neighboring countries to examine the operational environment at the border and identify opportunities for improving the movement of people, goods and vehicles while strengthening compliance and border security, henceforth, enhancing the overall efficiency of border operations.
As the SADC Secretariat continues to monitor, evaluate, and support these initiatives, the Cuchamano/Nyamapanda border post stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to regional economic growth. This development not only benefits the Member States involved but sets the stage for a more integrated and prosperous Southern Africa and Africa at large.
The assessment mission provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify operational challenges and discuss practical measures to improve the efficiency of the Cuchamano/Nyamapanda border post.
The recommendations emerging from the mission are expected to contribute to improved coordination among border agencies, streamlined transit procedures, enhanced information exchange, stronger implementation of coordinated border management and better use of border infrastructure and will be submitted to SADC Policy meetings for decisions and guidance.
