The drop in volumes on the Trans-Kalahari Corridor caused by Covid-19 restrictions presents an opportunity to rebuild a more efficient corridor if the lessons of the past are applied, says Leslie Mpofu, executive director of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor (TKCS) Secretariat.“Economic recovery packages and policies should be designed to ‘build back better’ by devising and implementing plans that will trigger investment, as well as behavioural changes that will reduce the impact of future calamities.“These strategies should zero in on trade and investment, transport and logistics, policy development and regulation in order to create Smart Corridors,” he says.The private sector needs to take the lead in building the corridor back better, believes Mpofu.In addition, greater automation will reduce human contact at the borders, with virtual queuing and preclearance.“The TKCS is optimistic that the downward spiral in growth and volumes experienced by all TKCMC member states, and the region as a whole, will change for the better as countries ease their Covid-19 restrictions,” says Mpofu.WBCG project coordinator Edward Shivute and Sister Verah Mhambi in front of the Walvis Bay mobile container clinic. Photo Leandrea Louw
