CAPE TOWN — South Africa’s National Assembly has approved the One-Stop Border Post Bill, a landmark step toward simplifying cross-border movement and boosting regional trade efficiency.
The bill seeks to create shared ports of entry jointly managed by South Africa and its neighboring countries, where immigration and customs procedures will be handled in a single, coordinated process. This new system is designed to reduce delays, enhance security, and facilitate smoother movement of goods and people across borders.
According to a statement from Parliament, the bill establishes a legal framework for setting up common control zones designated areas where officials from both countries can operate side by side, enforcing their respective national laws. The goal is to streamline administrative procedures while improving trade facilitation and regional cooperation.
First tabled in September 2024, the One-Stop Border Post Bill aligns with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, which seeks to advance economic integration and sustainable development within the region.
After passing in the National Assembly, the bill will proceed to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence before it is signed into law. Once enacted, it is expected to enhance intra-African trade, attract investment, and create new employment opportunities by modernizing border management systems.
Officials note that the legislation also supports the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting efficient and harmonized border operations—an important step toward a more connected and competitive African economy.