from MARCUS MUSHONGA in Harare, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Bureau
HARARE, (CAJ News) – ZAMBIAN President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Zambia and Zimbabwe to dismantle long-standing border bottlenecks at the Chirundu One-Stop Border Post, arguing that persistent delays in the movement of goods are undermining economic growth for both nations.
Hichilema made the remarks during his visit to Harare for a session of the Zimbabwe–Zambia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), where he and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa held bilateral talks focused on trade facilitation, energy cooperation, transport infrastructure, and regional security.
Speaking during the high-level meeting, Hichilema questioned why cargo trucks continue to face lengthy inspection procedures despite Chirundu being officially designated as a “one-stop” border post meant to streamline clearance.
“Why stop them at the border? Let’s go for a no-stop border post,” Hichilema said, criticizing routine delays that often force freight vehicles to queue for hours or even days.
He urged both nations to eliminate repetitive searches of cargo, warning that such practices restrict commerce, increase costs, and stifle regional competitiveness.
Sources close to the meeting say the two presidents also discussed upgrading digital customs systems, expanding power-sharing agreements through the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), harmonising road tolls, and strengthening collaboration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Both leaders reportedly agreed that efficient borders are essential to unlocking trade corridors central to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Hichilema’s remarks quickly gained traction across Zambia and Zimbabwe, with many citizens expressing strong support on social media.
Veteran journalist Hopewell Chin’ono called current delays “ridiculous,” noting that trucks have been held at Chirundu or Kariba for more than a day.
“Countries with big economies allow goods and services to move freely without unnecessary paperwork, which invariably becomes a corruption cesspool,” Chin’ono said.
Other commentators echoed similar frustrations with Dubzz Mhokore welcoming the dialogue at the highest political level, emphasizing the deep social and economic ties between the two neighbours.
Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya said border delays “hurt trade on both sides” and urged immediate reforms while Jane High argued that rail transport should be prioritized to ease pressure on border posts.
Msema Kweli called delays “a productivity and integrity killer,” while Musvo Musvo warned that clinging to restrictive colonial-era border practices only entrenches poverty.
Tafadzwa Masias urged modernization of the Victoria Falls border through greater use of digital technology to reduce human-driven inefficiencies.
Although Chirundu was established as one of Africa’s first one-stop border posts, traders say bureaucratic duplication, outdated systems, and corruption continue to undermine its intended efficiency.
Analysts warn that without bold reforms, both countries risk losing investment opportunities along key regional trade routes connecting southern, central, and east Africa.
The renewed commitment from both presidents—coupled with public pressure—has raised hopes that longstanding obstacles could finally be dismantled.
— CAJ News