President Mnangagwa Orders Removal of Trade Barriers to Boost SADC Commerce

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed government ministries and agencies to urgently eliminate trade restrictions as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to boost cross-border commerce and deepen regional economic integration. The directive will initially focus on countries within the Southern African Development Community, where persistent tariff and non-tariff barriers continue to slow the movement of goods, services, and people.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Albert Chimbindi, said the move is anchored in Zimbabwe’s “neighbourhood-first” policy, which prioritises stronger economic ties with regional partners.

“Trade within SADC remains below potential due to barriers that increase costs and delays,” Chimbindi said. “Removing these obstacles will unlock trade volumes and create shared prosperity.”

Authorities say the reforms will target both tariff and non-tariff barriers:

• Tariffs: Import taxes that raise the cost of cross-border trade and discourage competitiveness.

• Non-tariff barriers: These include bureaucratic red tape, inefficient customs systems, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent regulations across borders.

Chimbindi noted that delays at border posts, often caused by manual processes and duplicated inspections, have been a major bottleneck for regional trade.

A key pillar of the reforms is modernising border infrastructure and systems. The transformation of Beitbridge Border Post is being used as a benchmark. Upgraded through a public-private partnership, Beitbridge is now a high-capacity, technology-driven border facility featuring:

• Expanded cargo handling infrastructure

• Improved traffic flow systems

• Integrated digital customs processes

• A one-stop border post model with South Africa

These improvements have significantly reduced congestion and transit times, enhancing efficiency for cross-border traders.

Following Beitbridge’s success, the government is considering replicating the model at other strategic entry points, including Chirundu Border Post and Forbes Border Post. Officials say upgrading these ports of entry will streamline logistics, reduce delays, and strengthen regional supply chains, positioning Zimbabwe as a key transit hub in Southern Africa.

The removal of trade barriers is expected to lower the cost of doing business, attract investment, and stimulate industrial growth. The initiative also aligns with continental integration efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to increase intra-African trade and accelerate economic development. Recent regional engagements, including cooperation with leaders such as Hakainde Hichilema, underscore Zimbabwe’s push to strengthen economic ties and improve infrastructure connectivity.

Economic analysts say the reforms could unlock significant benefits, including increased exports, job creation, and stronger regional value chains. For businesses, improved border efficiency means faster clearance times, reduced compliance costs, and better access to regional markets.

“In order to implement our neighbourhood-first principle, we must remove all impediments to the movement of people, goods, and services,” Chimbindi said.

As Zimbabwe accelerates reforms, the success of implementation will be key to transforming the country into a competitive trade and logistics hub within the SADC region.

President Mnangagwa trade policy