Attitudes, Knowledge, and Practices of Customs Administrators on Trade Facilitation

In light of renewed interests to boost African trade through continental integration, the authors identified trade facilitation as an integral component of complimenting the integration processes. This is especially relevant in the southern region where the majority of borders are characterised by complex and duplicated processes due to the lack of ‘one-stop border posts’. This study explores the attitudes, knowledge and practices of customs administrators on trade facilitation in Zimbabwe. Based on questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and secondary data collected from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the results indicated that ‘trade facilitation’ was not included in strategic policies of ZIMRA. In terms of risk factors, low staff remuneration was identified as the major issue. Many cross-border authorities at the border (overstaffed) and outdated infrastructure were major constraints in the flow of cargo and people. The study recommends that ZIMRA should provide training on the ‘single window system’ in order to improve on coordinated border management. Secondly, ZIMRA should review staff remuneration frequently and synchronise it with regional standards. Thirdly, there should be alignment and coordination of the trade-related issues within various government ministries. Fourthly, customs authorities should establish stand-alone trade facilitation units at ports of entry.