The Santa Clara-Oshikango border post, which officially opened 34 years ago, has begun operating 24 hours a day to better accommodate the movement of people and goods.
This significant change was marked by an event attended by Angolan Minister of the Interior, Eugénio Laborinho, and Namibian Minister of Internal Affairs, Immigration, Security, and Protection, Albert Kawana.
The introduction of a mobile biometric border control system now allows citizens from both countries to cross the border continuously for health, education, commerce, and other services.
Minister Eugénio Laborinho emphasized that this development is a result of commitments made during the 21st Session of the Angola/Namibia Joint Permanent Defense and Security Commission.
He noted that the 24-hour operation of the border post will facilitate the transit of people and goods, increase trade, and demonstrate Angola’s commitment to the social and economic development of both the country and the Southern African region.
Laborinho also highlighted that the increased migratory movement at the Santa Clara post will boost tax revenues for both Angola and Namibia, meeting the expectations of local populations, businesspeople, tourists, and ordinary citizens who will now have unrestricted access to the border.
The minister called on border employees to show dedication, professionalism, and rigor, particularly in combatting human trafficking, fuel smuggling, tax evasion, and crimes against wildlife and the environment.
Namibian Minister Albert Kawana noted that extending the border post’s operating hours reflects the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries since their respective independences.
He emphasized that the ongoing operation of the Santa Clara-Oshikango border post aligns with the goal of achieving economic independence for the peoples of Angola and Namibia.
Kawana also highlighted the border post’s importance as a socio-economic and cultural convergence point for thousands of citizens within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), enhancing cross-border trade and cooperation.
