DR. Selemani Jafo, the Minister for Industry and Trade, has pledged to tackle all trade challenges in border areas, aiming to stimulate rapid industry and business growth while enhancing economic development and regional prosperity.

He made this promise yesterday during President Samia Suluhu Hassan's visit to Tunduma in the Songwe Region, where she stopped to greet locals after returning from her Rukwa trip, amplifying community engagement.

Dr. Jafo stated that the Ministry would implement the directives issued by President Samia during her meeting with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema during her official visit to Zambia from October 23 to 25 last year, particularly regarding the resolution of business challenges at the Tunduma border.

Additionally, Jafo highlighted that of the 15 challenges identified at the border, four have already been successfully addressed, with ongoing efforts focused on resolving the remaining issues to enhance trade and economic activity in the region.

Elaborating further, Dr. Jafo explained that the truck queue issue at the Tunduma border, caused by the scanner, has been resolved after President Samia provided one scanner for the Zambian side.

Minister Jafo also thanked Songwe Regional Commissioner Daniel Chongolo for allocating over 1,500 acres, with 1,000 acres designated for a dry port and 500 acres for industrial development.

"I assure you, Madam President, that we will do everything possible to build these factories. Let me assure you that we, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with TRA and Customs, will eliminate all non-tax barriers to ensure that Tanzania benefits from business growth," said Dr. Jafo.

Media reports indicate that the Tunduma-Nakonde border post is one of the crossings identified as crucial for enhancing border management efficiency.

The border crossing has faced challenges due to deficiencies and capacity issues in the existing regulatory, management, and administrative environments, as well as the condition of the physical facilities at the border.

Tunduma-Nakonde serves as the border between the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia, facilitating traffic from Dar es Salaam to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and vice versa.

One of the main benefits of a one-stop border post is the enhancement of operational efficiency, which leads to faster transit times and reduced waiting periods at the border, ultimately lowering trading costs.

The governments of Tanzania and Zambia are committed to implementing a comprehensive program to develop the necessary legal, operational, and institutional arrangements for the efficient operation of the one-stop border crossing at Nakonde/Tunduma.