One Stop Borders – Research and Recommendations

NP&A has intensive engagement in evaluating the effectiveness of cross-border and corridor developments across the Sub-Saharan region. Contract analyses of border posts in East and Southern Africa cover more than 25 border posts in 12 countries. The survey, analysis and recommendations for One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) have made a significant contribution to increased efficiency and reduced costs of cross border trade.

Field work has involved collaboration with Transport Logistics Consultants (TLC), based in Port Elizabeth, using locally trained survey staff and advanced recording and analysis systems.

NP&A has collaborative relations with SADC, COMESA and EAC regional authorities and a wide range of industry and government contacts throughout the region.  Successful projects have been completed for World Bank, JICA, TMEA, and other donor and development agencies

NP&A has also associated with, and provided local expertise, data and research to various international consulting projects in the fields of economics, transport policy and regulations in several countries in the region.

Rationalising and Harmonising the Regulations

NP&A has been working with the SADC-COMESA-EAC Tripartite alliance for several years to improve  inter-state transport regulation and to achieve harmonization of the various aspects of road transport such as operator registration, transport of dangerous goods, abnormal loads and the training of drivers and officials.

NP&A was the primary consultant to SADC in the evaluation of the cross-border regulatory framework in the Southern African region. The recommendations for change in the focus of regulation was adopted by the Tripartite Alliance of 27 countries.

Monitoring the Barriers to Interstate Trade in the Region

Trade between the countries of the Eastern and Southern African region is heavily dependent on effective management of cross-border transport by road. The current situation is that non-tariff barriers and a range of arbitrary imposts by different authorities continually add costs to road transport and decrease the efficiency of cross border trade.

Trade Corridor Costs

Research by NP&A into the costs and timing of road freight along the major corridors yields comparative data which gives clear indications of the urgent need for improvement of freight logistics efficiency.

The data also provide an effective comparison of alternate logistics channels and  monitors  cost interventions by the country revenue and roads authorities as well the impacts of delays at borders and along the corridor routes.