In a significant step towards fostering regional economic integration, the Martin’s Drift border post, which connects Botswana and South Africa, has been the focus of a detailed study visit conducted by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat. This initiative is part of a broader commitment made during the 13th Ministerial Task Force (MTF) meeting on Regional Economic Integration held in July 2013 in Maputo, Mozambique, where ministers pledged to enhance border efficiencies and trade facilitation at key border posts.
The implementation of the trade facilitation measures, including the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) concept, is part of the SADC Regional Integration agenda, meant to support the Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap in the consolidation of the Free Trade Areas
Senior Programme Officer Alcides Monteiro led the SADC team of experts, which conducted its assessment from 21 to 23, October 2025. The objectives of the study were comprehensive, focusing on several critical factors, including the operating hours of adjacent border posts, the implementation of the CBM concept, and the efficiency of transit procedures. The study also aimed to evaluate the time required for goods to be released and the state of ICT connectivity at the border.
The Martin’s Drift border post is key and is located at the North-South Corridor, that serves Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the rest of SADC Member States to some extent.
The recent assessment established the Martin’s Drift border post is operating from 06.00 am to 10.00pm and during the peak season it is extended to 12.00 pm or even to 24/7 during the peak season to cater to the volume of traffic.
The border post clears 400 to 450 trucks per day with the potential of clear more if the infrastructure be upgraded. Due to Martin Drift’s geographical location on the Limpopo riverbank, there is need to upgrade the infrastructure to be more resilient to some disaster such as floods. The bridge also needs to be expanded to allow seamless movement of means of conveyance since the border post become more convenient from the time Kazungula One Stop Border Post and bridge was opened.
Furthermore, the SADC team observed otherwise, the current infrastructure and trade facilitation measures present at the border post supports the volume of movement of goods, people and means of transport and enhancing the overall efficiency of border operations.
As the SADC Secretariat continues to monitor and support these initiatives, the Drift border post stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to regional economic growth. This development not only benefits the Member States involved but sets the stage for a more integrated and prosperous Southern Africa.
