Digitisation is redefining the global supply chain and enhancing cross-border trade unlike any previous technology.According to Sibulele Dyodo, executive manager of the facilitation and advisory division at the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA), the emerging global trend to digitise documents and processes presents an opportunity to increase intra-regional trade significantly.“The issue of digitisation is at the core of much of the work we are doing as we move towards finding agile and innovative replacements for manual cross-border trade practices,” Dyodo told Freight News.“Digitalisation also presents the opportunity for the simplification, harmonisation and transparency of cross-border trade processes.”First on the agenda is the launch of South Africa’s new e-permit. “We have come a long way since operators had to come into our offices to apply for cross-border permits. In recent years, permit applications could be done online on our website, but the latest development is an app, much like Uber or Bolt.”Dyodo said by May this year, the new system would be up and running, allowing operators to apply for their e-permits using the app.“Coupled with this is the launch of another app that talks to the issue of law enforcement,” he said. “This app will allow for the easy verification of e-permits. Law enforcement officers using this app will be able to verify the e-permits of cross-border operators on the road and will easily be able to check the validity and the originality of the permit in question.”Dyodo said the mandate of the C-BRTA remained the driving force behind the development of the new digital solutions. “The goal remains to facilitate the smooth f low of passengers and goods across the borders. We continue to engage with a range of stakeholders both locally, regionally and on the continent and we continue to see a lot of cooperation in the cross-border space. “Of course, while we continuously strive towards improvement, we are optimistic about the high level of participation and involvement as well as the interaction that we have seen in the sector.”According to Dyodo, the C-BRTA has been working closely with the South African Revenue Service (Sars) and the Border Management Authority (BMA) to make it easier and quicker for cross-border vehicles to move through border posts. “Ultimately we want to see operators and traders experience minimal delays at border posts while being able to move efficiently across the region with as few impediments as possible.”He said digitisation would allow for more harmonisation of systems, processes, procedures and standards across the board.“If we can harmonise our permit application systems across the region, for example, it will already make a major difference. “We are in discussion with several SADC countries in the land space talking about renting out our Cross-Easy system. “Not only does it make for an easier operating environment for operators, but it allows for improved information sharing between countries. “If we can have up-to-date information about the trade volumes and the consignments we are moving between borders, we will be able to improve our advisory functions while also having a far better understanding of supply and demand.”
