The Trans Kalahari Corridor marks its 20th year of existence this year, a testament to the collaborative efforts of Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia. The Memorandum of Understanding signed in Walvis Bay in 2003 paved the way for the establishment of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor Management Committee. The corridor stretches from South Africa through Botswana to Namibia's port, Wa lv i s Bay.Leslie Mlungisi Mpofu, the executive director of the Trans Kalahari Corridor, emphasises the corridor's primary objective: identifying and resolving obstacles hindering the f luidity of trade supply chains. Recent initiatives on the corridor focus on coordinating investments in physical infrastructure, and designing safety and environmental regulations. Noteworthy achievements include a commitment to collaborative corridor management for effective service delivery and joint law enforcement traffic compliance operations.A recent benchmarking exercise in Kenya focused on the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, intended for implementation on the corridor. The corridor’s road network spans approximately 1 900 kilometres across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. A recent major development is the launch of 24-hour operations at the Mamuno/Trans Kalahari border posts, which is expected to enhance the f low of goods and people. Furthermore, Namibia and Botswana have streamlined cross-border travel by using identity cards as travel documents between the two countries.Statistics from Botswana's Ministry of Finance reveal that Mamuno border post processes imports worth 15 billion pula annually, with an average of 8 800 commercial trucks facilitated monthly. Botswana, a significant market for Namibia, saw exports amounting to N$8.6 billion in 2021, showcasing growth from the N$7.5bn recorded in 2020. The Port of Walvis Bay and the Botswana Dry Port play crucial roles in facilitating these exports.The Secretariat of the Trans Kalahari Corridor has highlighted various challenges affecting trade facilitation along the corridor. These obstacles encompass extended transit times at ports, delays at key border crossings, discrepancies in regulations, and protracted documentation processes, particularly in cargo clearance. Additional constraints involve issues related to Information and Communication Technology connectivity and a trade imbalance, where transporters encounter difficulties securing return trip loads.In response to the evolving landscape shaped by emerging technologies, Mpofu emphasises the necessity for swift and innovative actions by industry leaders and authorities. He advocates for the implementation of smart corridors and the adoption of intelligent containers equipped with sensors and tracking technologies like GPS and Radio Frequency Identification chips. This technological integration enables manufacturers, carriers, and shippers to monitor their cargo with greater precision.Notable accomplishments over the past two decades include the harmonisation of extended operating hours at border posts along the corridor and the establishment of axle load limits. Other achievements are the reduction in border clearance times and a significant surge in both commercial and passenger traffic, rising from less than 5% in 2000 to nearly 50% (commercial) and over 60% (passenger) at present.Namibian Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, said that under the Trans Kalahari Corridor framework, Namibia intended to build a railway network line that would connect Namibia to Botswana and Zambia.
