Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is stepping up efforts to unlock untapped potential in border trade with its East African Community (EAC) neighbors, it has been said.

The government has outlined plans to empower border region councils to create favorable conditions for trade and integration, enabling citizens to benefit from EAC opportunities.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation in charge of EAC Affairs, Mr. Dennis Londo, underlined these intentions during his visit to the Horohoro/Lungalunga One Stop Border Post ( OSBP) in the Tanga region, Friday December 20, 2024.

“The EAC offers many untapped opportunities for the benefit of our merchants. I urge councils to devise deliberate strategies to help traders, especially small traders, add value to their products to ensure they can be sold without restrictions in member countries,” he said. he declared.

The OSBP concept, which brings together border control services from neighboring countries in one location, has been praised for its potential to streamline customs processes, reduce delays and reduce costs for traders.

However, challenges persist, including inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic red tape and limited awareness among traders on how to operate these centers effectively.

Tanzania shares borders with several EAC countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, making border trade an important contributor to regional integration and economic growth.

However, many traders, especially small businesses, are still unable to fully exploit these opportunities due to barriers such as lack of knowledge about cross-border trade policies and limited access to capital.

Ms. Halima Said, a trader at the Horohoro border, shared her views on the potential impact of improving border trading facilities.

“We see the government’s efforts and OSBP has helped reduce delays. But we still face challenges such as high transport costs and inadequate support for small traders,” she told the Citizen.

“If more resources and training were provided, it could transform our businesses and livelihoods,” she added.

Aware of these obstacles, the government is committed to addressing operational challenges and improving infrastructure at border points.

Deputy Minister Londo assured stakeholders that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for trade by improving the efficiency of OSBPs and addressing the concerns of traders.

“Border trade is a vital lifeline for many communities. By streamlining operations and addressing challenges, we can boost the economy and transform lives,” said Mr. Londo.

During his visit, Mr Londo met with Tanga Regional Commissioner Dr Batilda Buriani, as well as representatives of the Mkinga District Commissioner, business associations and customs officials to discuss strategies to strengthen cross-border trade.

The Horohoro OSBP is just one of many such centers established along the Tanzanian borders.

These centers aim to facilitate trade flows by combining services such as customs, immigration and health inspections into a single operation.

With proper management and support, they have the potential to transform border communities by creating jobs, reducing poverty and promoting economic integration.