Zambia and Namibia have taken a significant step toward boosting cross-border trade and regional integration with the launch of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting on the operationalization of the Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), held in Livingstone, Zambia.
This meeting marks a major milestone in the two countries’ shared commitment to facilitating trade through coordinated infrastructure development and policy alignment.
The OSBP, established under a bilateral agreement signed on June 21, 2024, in Katima Mulilo, Namibia, is designed to simplify customs procedures, ease border congestion, and reduce clearance times along a vital trade corridor.
The JTC meeting builds on momentum from the first Joint Trade Committee discussions held in January 2025 in Sesheke, Zambia.
That session, led by Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, focused on drafting the OSBP’s terms of reference and governance structures.
Co-chairing the current deliberations are Mr. Derrick Sikombe, representing Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, and Mr. Willbroad Poniso, Head of Customs and Excise at the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA). Both emphasized the importance of timely and coordinated action.
“The time for implementation is now,” said Mr. Sikombe. “This OSBP is more than just a physical structure—it’s a catalyst for economic growth and regional integration that will benefit traders, businesses, and communities on both sides of the border.”
Mr. Poniso echoed the urgency, calling on all stakeholders to focus on a practical, clearly defined plan. “Our objective is to reduce delays and enhance trade efficiency through a harmonized, streamlined border process.”
The governance framework currently being developed will coordinate customs, immigration, and security operations at the OSBP.
Once operational, the facility is expected to significantly improve trade flow, competitiveness, and livelihoods across Southern Africa.
