Londo calls for efficiency at border points to boost trade

Dar es Salaam. In a bid to maximise the potential of cross-border trade, the Tanzanian government has called for a significant uplift in the professionalism and integrity of border officials.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dennis Londo, made this call during a recent visit to the Holili/Taveta One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) in Rombo District.

“The conduct of our officers reflects the values and image of Tanzania. We demand professionalism and expertise to ensure smooth trade operations and foster trust with our regional partners,” he said.

The Holili/Taveta border, a crucial trade gateway connecting Tanzania and Kenya, has witnessed a surge in trade volumes, underscoring the critical need for efficient and ethical service delivery.

In a statement released yesterday, Mr Londo stressed the pivotal role of border officials in driving East African integration.

He urged them to act as facilitators of trade rather than impediments, condemning unethical practices such as bribery and disrespectful treatment of traders.

“We cannot tolerate misconduct that hinders trade or tarnishes our national reputation. Integrity and professionalism are non-negotiable,” he noted.

Mr Londo emphasised the need for inter-agency collaboration at border points to ensure seamless service delivery.

He urged local councils to actively involve communities, particularly women and youth, in the benefits of East African Community integration.

“Local councils must integrate border-related initiatives into their development plans and budgets,” he stressed. “The focus should be on empowering communities and enabling traders to fully utilise the opportunities offered by regional integration.”

While acknowledging progress made at the Holili border, Rombo District Commissioner, Raymond Mangwala, highlighted the persistent challenge of unofficial border crossings.

He advocated for the implementation of modern technology to combat smuggling activities.

“While we have made strides in securing the Holili border, the prevalence of illegal crossings remains a concern,” Mr Mangwala said.

“Innovative solutions such as surveillance drones and digital monitoring systems can significantly enhance our ability to combat smuggling.”

The Holili/Taveta OSBP serves as a model for successful Tanzanian-Kenyan cooperation.

Mr Londo emphasised the need to replicate this model across all border points to solidify Tanzania’s leadership in regional integration efforts.

“With the right policies and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Tanzania can become a beacon of effective border management within East Africa,” concluded Minister Londo.

The Citizen reached out to experts to get their views on the importance of border posts such as Holili/Taveta OSBP.

Economic analyst, Dr Helen Mariki, echoed Mr Londo’s sentiments, highlighting the immense economic potential of efficient border management. “Cross-border trade remains an untapped goldmine,” she noted.

“By streamlining border operations and addressing corruption, Tanzania can significantly boost customs revenue and strengthen regional trade ties.” Trade expert Simon Mkunde pointed out Tanzania’s strategic geographic advantage within the East African Community.

He emphasised the need for substantial investment in border infrastructure and robust support systems for traders.