The Impact of the Chirundu One Stop Border Post in Addressing Border Protectionist Challenges

Abstract

Chirundu One Stop Border Post (OSBP) programme was initiated by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) bloc. It was launched in 2009 with the aim of meeting international border management standards. The agreement to run the border post was signed by the Governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia in 2009. The major objective of the study was: To assess the impact of the Chirundu OSBP in addressing barriers that constrained the flow of people and goods. The study provides some recommendations that are useful in promoting effective operation of the Chirundu OSBP. The author noted that there are few studies that link border management with trade protectionism, yet border management is fundamental for the development of Zimbabwe's political economy. The paper was being discussed in the framework of the trade facilitation concept. The study employed three major research methods namely: interviews, observations and documentary search.