Latest news with #OSBP
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How South Africa's One Stop Border Post initiative will revolutionise land ports
The One Stop Border Post (OSBP) concept is expected to streamline and improve border operations at six land ports in South Africa, including Beitbridge, bordering Zimbabwe. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives The One Stop Border Post (OSBP) concept is expected to streamline and improve border operations at six land ports in South Africa. The OSBP will not only deal with two critical issues in South Africa, i.e., security and economic growth, but will also drive increasing efficiency and lower the cost of cross-border trade in SA, said the Minister of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Dr Leon Schreiber. Schreiber remarked on Wednesday when the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure received a briefing by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the Border Management Authority (BMA) on the redevelopment and redesign of the top six land commercial ports of entry and the subsequent implementation of the OSBP concept. Sihle Zikalala, deputy minister of DPWI, added that the function of the OSBP is a collaborative project between the DPWI and DHA. Schreiber said this was the type of collaboration that was required for some of the critical infrastructure projects that are economic enablers for the country. Schreiber added that the advantages will be better infrastructure to have what he called a sanitised border environment, which is critical for security matters, for dealing with corruption, among others. 'Upgrades and better infrastructure are critical to economic growth to increase cross-border trade and to make sure we unlock the potential of South Africa's land borders to become those key economic enablers in the region and continent,' Schreiber said. He said the project is catalytic and makes use of technology from inception. Historically, the SA land port of entry (POE) was not designed and built to facilitate the movement of large volumes of people and goods, resulting in great inefficiencies at the POE, explained Dr Michael Masiapato, the BMA commissioner. He explained that land ports are congested and stifling trade with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, and as a measure to address overburdened POEs, the DHA and BMA identified the six POEs for redevelopment. They are: Beitbridge (bordering Zimbabwe). Lebombo (bordering Mozambique). Oshoek (bordering the Kingdom of Eswatini). Kopfontein (bordering Botswana). Maseru Bridge (bordering Lesotho). Ficksburg (bordering Lesotho). Masiapato said the POEs will serve as prime conduits for regional trade, and the construction phase will lead to job creation in the surrounding areas. Since the BMA's inception two years ago, their success rate in stopping illicit goods and illegal immigrants has been notable.
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mano River Union Delegation Studies Successful Border Post Model to Enhance Women's Cross-Border Trade
A Mano River Union (MRU) delegation recently concluded a successful study tour of the 'Busia One Stop Border Post' (OSBP) between Kenya and Uganda, gaining valuable insights into efficient cross-border trade systems that benefit women traders. The tour brought together women traders and border officials from Liberia and Sierra Leone, alongside representatives from the African Development Bank ( The Busia OSBPs, one of East Africa's busiest border crossings, handling over 3,000 people and 900 vehicles crossing daily, has transformed cross-border trade since its establishment in 2018. The facility serves as a model for streamlined border procedures between Kenya and Uganda, demonstrating significant improvements in trade efficiency and women's economic empowerment. Nelly Maina, Principal Gender Officer at the African Development Bank, who led the Bank delegation, said the Busia OSBP exemplified how structured trade facilitation and targeted support can drive economic empowerment for women in cross-border trade. 'It brings out the importance of collaboration with government agencies and the provision of essential resources such as training, capacity building and infrastructure, and the development of inclusive policies that address women's specific needs.' The tour was part of the African Development Bank-funded Building Inclusive Business Ecosystems for Stabilization and Transformation (BI-BEST) project, which aims to empower 1,500 women traders in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The project focuses on enhancing participation in cross-border value chains for resilient economic growth and social cohesion. The delegation held discussions with Kenya's Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, the National AfCFTA Committee, TradeMark Africa, Busia Border management authorities, and local women cross-border traders, who shared their experiences of the OSBP's transformative impact. Women traders from Kenya and Uganda detailed how the OSBP, operational since 2018, has enhanced their ability to conduct business seamlessly across borders. "I buy Irish potatoes in Kenya and bring them to Uganda, then purchase maize in Uganda and return it to Kenya. I am now a fully-fledged cross-border trader, enlightened and sensitized,' said Mercy Mugo, a trader in Busia town. Another trader, Florence Atieno, emphasized the broader social benefits of an inclusive trade environment: "We believe that by addressing the critical needs of women in trade, we can positively impact the community and promote the overall economic well-being.' Delegates from Sierra Leone and Liberia found the experience particularly inspiring. Betty R. Kamara from Sierra Leone noted: " I am impressed by how Kenyan women collaborate with security officials and manage their businesses alongside childcare responsibilities. Similarly, Esther Tamba from Liberia stated: 'I will meet with my women's association, Good Seeds, in Liberia to share the lessons learned from Kenyan women traders. The tour highlighted the critical role of infrastructure and policy in creating a safer, more inclusive trade environment for women. For example, at the Busia OSBP, a daycare center has been established to support women traders and local business owners, many of whom previously had to carry their infants to markets – exposing them to risks such as child trafficking, accidents, and abuse. This center now provides accessible, affordable childcare, enabling women to focus on trade, entrepreneurship, and employment. According to the joint border management committee, the Busia OSPB has transformed cross-border trade. Before its establishment, traders endured long clearance queues and complex bureaucratic procedures, with women particularly vulnerable to security risks and lacking storage facilities for unsold goods. Many relied on intermediaries to facilitate their passage. Today, simplified trade Regimes (STRs), certificates of origin, and other accessible documentation have replaced lengthy procedures, allowing women to manage their transactions independently. A dedicated reporting desk now enables women to voice their concerns, while new facilities—including lactation rooms and secure storage spaces—enhance their trading experience. Through continuous sensitization efforts by the Kenyan and Ugandan governments and the private sector, women traders are now more informed about their rights and available resources. Training sessions provide guidance on trade procedures, documentation requirements, and trader rights, fostering a more inclusive trading environment. 'By applying these insights within the MRU, we look forward to contributing to an inclusive business ecosystem in the West Africa region,' said Sierra Leone's Betty Kamara. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
