Initiative targets border red tape to boost regional trade

Efforts to improve Africa’s cross-border trade have gained momentum as government officials, development partners and private sector representatives meet in Lusaka to advance the Regional Stabilisation and Economic Transformation for the Great Lakes Region (REST-GLR Programme), an initiative aimed at reducing trade barriers and improving the movement of goods along key economic corridors.

The discussions take place as African economies intensify efforts to deepen regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), even as traders continue to face persistent challenges, including border delays, fragmented regulations, weak infrastructure and costly customs procedures.

Despite a combined market of more than 1.4 billion people, intra-African trade remains significantly below other global regions, with analysts pointing to inefficiencies in logistics systems and border management as key constraints.

Traders at the Lusaka forum say these bottlenecks continue to undermine business viability, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises dependent on regional supply chains.

Goodson Mbewe, President of the Lusaka Traders Association, says delays at border posts remain among the most costly barriers to trade.

He says every additional day spent in clearance processes increases costs, disrupts supply chains and raises prices for consumers. 

“Every additional day spent waiting for customs clearance, inspections or documentation increases operating costs, disrupts supply chains and raises prices for consumers,” he says. “For many traders, especially smaller businesses, delays determine whether a transaction succeeds or fails.” 

The REST-GLR Programme seeks to address these challenges by strengthening coordination among governments, customs authorities, border agencies and private sector stakeholders, while improving governance systems and upgrading infrastructure along strategic trade routes. 

Dr. Kehinde Bolaji, UNDP Resilience Portfolio Advisor, says the initiative targets long-standing structural constraints that continue to slow regional trade.  

Dr. Kehinde Bolaji says the objective is to enhance institutional coordination and reduce fragmentation across border systems. 

“The objective is to reduce fragmentation in the way borders operate and strengthen institutional cooperation so that trade becomes faster, cheaper and more predictable,” he says. 

He adds that border regions should be recognised not only as security zones but as economic assets with significant development potential. 

“These areas are not merely points of control; they are economic gateways,” he says. “With the right investments, they can become centres of commerce, investment and job creation.” 

The discussions underscore the relevance of the initiative for regional blocs including the East African Community (East African Community), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which depend on efficient transport and logistics corridors. 

For Kenya and other EAC member states, the stakes remain high. The Port of Mombasa continues to serve as a key gateway for regional trade flows to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Persistent bottlenecks along major corridors continue to increase transport costs, delay deliveries and weaken competitiveness across East Africa. 

Industry stakeholders say reforms that improve border efficiency could strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional logistics hub while supporting growth in manufacturing, agriculture and retail sectors that rely on predictable supply chains. 

Experts highlight the untapped potential of border communities, noting that investments in infrastructure, digital customs systems and regulatory harmonisation could transform them into productive trade hubs rather than persistent congestion points. 

Stakeholders caution that the success of the REST-GLR Programme depends on implementation and measurable outcomes. 

While regional frameworks and policy commitments already exist, progress is expected to be reflected in reduced clearance times, lower transaction costs and fewer disruptions to cross-border trade. 

“What matters is whether goods move faster across borders,” Mbewe says. “That is the real measure of trade facilitation success.” 

As Africa advances efforts toward deeper economic integration, initiatives such as REST-GLR are increasingly viewed as practical mechanisms for translating policy ambition into measurable development impact. 

For Kenya and the wider region, the key test will be whether border systems evolve from persistent barriers into efficient gateways that support trade, investment and inclusive growth.