Business between Namibia and Zambia will be boosted and enhanced following the official launch of the Katima Mulilo Border Post 24-hour operations on Tuesday.

Launching the 24-hour operations, Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Minister Dr Albert Kawana said the day is a joyous day for business people in Namibia and Zambia, pointing out that truck drivers will no longer be sleeping on the borders queuing to be cleared.

Kawana also called on the private sector to invest in these developments and render efficient and effective service delivery to their clients.

He however reminded the gathering that the launch of 24-hour operations comes with new responsibilities and challenges.

The minister further said: “The 24-hour operation at Katima Mulilo Border Post is but one such measure which is aimed at reviving the country’s economy.”

His counterpart, the Zambian Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Jacob Mwiimbu announced that the launch of the 24-hour operation is an enormous significance to the two countries, which seeks to address some of the impediments to trade growth and competitiveness in Africa in line with the main objective of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Also in attendance, Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Chief Executive Officer Sam Shivute indicated that NamRA’s system is ready and happy to offer the required service.

Shivute commended the two presidents of both Namibia and Zambia for the realisation of a dream after a joint commission which calls for improved service delivery, improved trade facilitation and increased volume of trade and development for the people.

Shivute further called for a concept of a One Stop border post, where travellers and the members of the public at large will only stop and check in at one border post.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency