Members of Parliament (MPs) have adopted the One-Stop Border Control Bill which among others, seeks to establish one-stop border posts between Malaŵi and neighbouring countries.

This Bill seeks to provide for a legal framework for implementation of agreements signed between the Malaŵi and neighbouring countries for operationalisation of one-stop border posts to facilitate coordinated border controls for efficient cross-border movement of people and clearance of goods.

Minister of Trade Mark Katsonga-Phiri said the one-stop border posts will reduce the number of stops in cross-border trade and other transactions by combining and locating, at a single location.

He said: “All developed countries have already adopted this system  but as usual we are working on it now, it’s never too late in life and all the formalities to gazette it should be put in place.”

Katsonga-Phiri has since hinted that his Ministry will fast-track processes of operationalising the law once assented to by the President.

Katsonga-Phiri added that the legislation will enable Malaŵi to comply with its obligations under the SADC Protocol on Trade, COMESA Treaty and other regional an international trade facilitation agreements.

The Bill provides for sharing of each other’s existing border control infrastructure and facilities with a view to simplifying and expediting border control procedures.

It also provides for harmonisation of border control regulations and procedures to ensure uniformity and predictability.