President Mnangagwa Orders Removal of SADC Trade Barriers to Boost Regional Trade
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered an immediate push to eliminate trade restrictions as Government ramps up efforts to improve cross-border commerce and deepen economic integration.
The process will begin with countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The directive targets both tariffs and non-tariff restrictions that have long slowed the movement of goods, services and people across borders, with authorities now expected to fast-track reforms.
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‘Neighbourhood-First’ Policy Takes Centre Stage
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Albert Chimbindi, said the President’s directive is rooted in Zimbabwe’s “neighbourhood-first” approach, which prioritises deeper economic ties with regional partners.
He noted that trade within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) continues to lag due to persistent barriers that make cross-border business costly and unpredictable.
According to Chimbindi, removing these obstacles will significantly increase trade volumes and create shared prosperity across the region.
Understanding the Trade Barriers
Authorities say the barriers fall into two main categories — tariff and non-tariff.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imports, often used to protect domestic industries but which can also discourage cross-border trade by raising prices.
Non-tariff barriers, however, are more complex. These include bureaucratic delays, inefficient border systems, poor infrastructure and inconsistent regulations.
Chimbindi highlighted that lengthy delays at border posts, often caused by manual processes and duplication of inspections, have been among the biggest constraints.
Border Reforms and Digital Transformation
The Government now plans to tackle these challenges through sweeping reforms, including modernising infrastructure, streamlining customs procedures and digitalising border systems.
A key example is the transformation of the Beitbridge Border Post, one of Africa’s busiest inland ports.
Upgraded through a public-private partnership, Beitbridge has been turned into a more efficient, technology-driven gateway with expanded cargo capacity, improved traffic flow and integrated digital systems.
The modernisation has significantly reduced congestion and transit times, while improving coordination between Zimbabwean and South African authorities through a one-stop border system.
Model Set for Nationwide Rollout
Following the success at Beitbridge, authorities are now considering replicating the model at other key entry points, including the Chirundu Border Post and the Forbes Border Post.
These upgrades are expected to eliminate inefficiencies, improve logistics and strengthen regional supply chains.
Officials say such improvements will also position Zimbabwe as a strategic transit hub within the SADC region.
Regional and Continental Impact
The removal of trade barriers is expected to reduce the cost of doing business, encourage cross-border investment and stimulate industrial growth.
Zimbabwe is also positioning itself as a leader in regional integration efforts, building on recent engagements such as the State visit by Hakainde Hichilema.
The initiative aligns with broader continental goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to expand intra-African trade and accelerate industrialisation.
Towards a Seamless Regional Market
Experts say the reforms could lead to increased exports, job creation and stronger regional value chains.
For businesses, a more efficient trading environment would mean faster movement of goods, lower compliance costs and improved access to regional markets.
Chimbindi said the ultimate objective is to build an integrated regional economy where countries trade more freely and leverage their collective strengths.
“In order to implement our neighbourhood-first principle, we must remove all impediments to the movement of people, goods and services,” he said.
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