• Mozambique, South Africa to launch digital one-stop border system

• Reform expected to cut delays, integrates customs, immigration, cargo processing

• Project aims to boost trade efficiency and regional supply chains

Mozambique and South Africa are entering a new phase of modernization of the Maputo-Gauteng corridor, centered on the rollout of a fully digital one-stop border post. According to South Africa’s transport ministry, the system is expected to be completed in the coming months. The project aims to integrate immigration, customs and cargo processing into a single system accessible through one digital platform.

The reform is expected to allow procedures to be processed simultaneously, reducing multiple stops and improving cargo tracking. At a meeting last week, officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to using digitalization to improve transit efficiency, strengthen security and bring the corridor in line with international logistics standards.

The project builds on reforms already implemented at the Ressano Garcia border post, which have delivered measurable results. These include a temporary joint control system that reduces the number of stops for truck drivers. Authorities say drivers now stop only once to present documents, helping ease congestion at the border.

These changes have sharply reduced crossing times. Previously, queues stretched for several kilometers and transit could take several days. Processing times have now been cut to a few hours, with shorter delays during normal periods.

Authorities describe these improvements as a transitional phase ahead of full digitalization. This phased approach allows administrations to test coordination, identify technical constraints and adjust procedures before full deployment.

Beyond shorter delays, the reform could permanently reshape regional supply chains. Ressano Garcia, the main crossing between the two countries, handles heavy daily traffic driven by trade flows. These have increased in part due to a shift in South African exports—particularly minerals—towards the Port of Maputo amid declining logistics performance in South Africa.

The reform also aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to facilitate movement between countries and boost intra-African trade. In addition to weak and sparse road networks, cross-border constraints remain a major barrier to trade in several countries.

In a September 2024 report, Optimal Investments in Africa’s Road Network, the World Bank said tariff and non-tariff barriers add an average of 3.2 days to border crossings. These include regulatory hurdles, administrative delays, costs linked to procedures and police extortion.

Henoc Dossa