Tunduma/Nakonde Border | 23 February 2026 — Tanzania and Zambia have successfully resolved five out of ten non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that had been causing significant truck congestion and trade disruptions at the strategic Tunduma/Nakonde border, marking a major step toward enhancing regional trade efficiency in Southern Africa.
The breakthrough follows a high-level bilateral good-neighbourliness meeting held at the border, co-chaired by Hon. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania, and Hon. Mulambo Haimbe (MP), Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia.
24-Hour Border Operations Under OSBP Framework
Addressing the media after the meeting, Minister Kombo announced that Zambia has agreed to introduce 24-hour service operations in line with the One Stop Border Post (OSBP) framework. The decision is expected to significantly reduce cargo clearance delays and decongest freight traffic at one of the busiest trade corridors in the region.
Modern Cargo Scanning and Digital Integration
Zambia also committed to operationalizing a modern cargo scanner supplied by the Government of Tanzania to accelerate inspection processes and improve efficiency in goods clearance.
In a further boost to technological cooperation, both countries agreed to integrate their customs management systems Tanzania’s TANCIS and Zambia’s ASYCUDA Plus to facilitate seamless data exchange, enhance transparency, and strengthen cross-border trade coordination.
Boost to Regional and International Trade
The reforms are expected to:
- Improve competitiveness of Tanzania’s ports and border infrastructure
- Reduce operational costs for traders and transporters
- Strengthen regional trade flows within the Southern African corridor
- Enhance economic integration between Tanzania and Zambia
The resolution of these non-tariff barriers signals a renewed commitment by both nations to foster trade facilitation, regional connectivity, and economic cooperation under the broader Southern Africa integration agenda.
