Tr ansporters operating between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continue to face significant challenges due to border delays and poor road conditions, causing disruptions in trade and commerce between the two countries. To address these issues, a collaborative effort between the DRC government, the Office of Multimodal Freight Management (Ogef rem), a nd a partnership of stakeholders has introduced the FERI certificate mandate. This initiative aims to streamline the preclearance process for DRC cargo and alleviate congestion at the border points.The persistent issues related to border delays and road conditions have long been a cause for concern among transporters and businesses in both Zambia and the DRC. Delays at the border crossings have led to considerable economic losses and logistical challenges for industries relying on efficient cross-border trade. The situation has prompted a concerted response from stakeholders seeking to improve conditions for transporters and bolster trade ties between the two countries.The FERI certificate mandate is set to expedite the preclearance process for DRC-bound cargo. By streamlining administrative procedures, the aim is to reduce the time spent at the border, thus enhancing the overall trade experience for transporters. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to reducing congestion and boosting the efficiency of cross-border logistics.Africa Union Cargo Namibia (AUCN), an Ogefrem-appointed agent, is mandated to assist with the issuance of the FERI certification which is required for all cargo bound for the DRC. “Zambia is an important transport link to the DRC for cargo via Namibia and Zambia,” said Dornay Swartz, who heads up the FERI project for the company. “Our partnership with Ogefrem is vital to assist Zambian freight forwarders, transporters and exporters with the FERI certificates before reaching the DRC entry borders.”Swartz said several new road projects and border updates had been earmarked for development in the coming years, indicating an ongoing commitment from authorities to improve infrastructure. “We all know the importance of trade between these countries and that Zambia is a pivotal border country with the DRC, especially to the Haut Katanga region.”With offices in Lusaka, AUCN has positioned itself to become a preferred FERI agent in Zambia. In March the company launched a client portal that offers real-time insights into the status of the FERI application process, ensuring round-the-clock convenience. Clients can track their application process 24/7. The company's commitment to streamlining processes and enhancing customer satisfaction is evident through this portal, which also offers an issuance service at Ogefrem set tariffs and boasts a turnaround time for drafting of a mere 30-45 minutes if all the necessary documents are provided.“Clients simply submit their required documentation through the convenient portal, after which we take the reins, handling all the necessary legwork,” said Swartz. “Our primary objective is to redefine the landscape of Ogefrem agency services by putting our clients at the heart of everything we do. As a dedicated Ogefrem agent, we not only aim to deliver a client-focused experience but also to alleviate the burdens faced by our clients' operations teams, particularly in the realm of documentation checks and administrative tasks, a challenge often intensified when dealing with cross-border operations.Swartz said the complexities of international trade demanded a seamless and efficient process. “Zambia is a key facilitator of DRC-bound cargo. The ease of cargo movements is critical for economic growth of not only these two countries but the entire region.”
