Border Efficiency Management System (BEMS)

The Border Efficiency Management System (BEMS) study was undertaken to assess the performance of Zimbabwe’s border posts and identify systemic and procedural bottlenecks that hinder trade facilitation, competitiveness, and regional integration. As a land-linked country, Zimbabwe’s economic growth and participation in regional and global markets depend heavily on efficient border management systems that reduce costs and facilitate seamless trade flows through the Beira, Walvis Bay, Durban, and North–South corridors.

The study supports Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategies (NDS1 and NDS2), which emphasize trade facilitation, industrialization, and competitiveness, while aligning with the objectives of regional integration, through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), SADC and COMESA. The assessment covered eight major border posts that represent Zimbabwe’s most critical trade corridors
vis-à-vis Beitbridge, Chirundu OSBP, Forbes, Nyamapanda, Plumtree, Victoria Falls, Kazungula and Sango.

A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative tools was employed, including structured questionnaires, direct observations, and desktop reviews. Data were collected from border stakeholders such as Government Agencies, transporters and clearing agents. Quantitative data were used to establish baselines
on clearance times, costs, and infrastructure adequacy, while qualitative data provided insights into institutional and coordination challenges. Data triangulation across sources ensured credibility and accuracy of findings.

The study established that inefficient border processes remain a major impediment to Zimbabwe’s trade competitiveness. Multiple agencies with overlapping functions, duplication of inspections, poor coordination, and inadequate automation continue to delay cargo clearance. For instance, at Chirundu, Zimbabwe has 25 agencies stationed at the border compared to only six on the Zambian side. Such institutional fragmentation undermines the principles of the One Stop Border Post (OSBP) model adopted to streamline operations. Average crossing times range from 28 hours at Forbes and 21 hours at Beitbridge to just 4 hours at Sango, depending on the size and volume of traffic crossing the border. Delays are largely attributed to customs processing, physical inspections, queuing, and limited scanner capacity. These
inefficiencies significantly increase logistics costs, reduce predictability of delivery schedules and weaken the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s export corridors.

For more information, check out this link:

https://www.ncc-zim.co.zw/document/bems-report-11-december-2025/