The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handed over ICT equipment worth over US$86,000 to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) on 20 April 2016 at their Head office in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The new equipment will assist in the enhancement of border management systems to promote integration and the implementation of the single window concept, aimed at bringing all border agencies together to simplify customs clearance.
“I hope that the donated equipment will assist in improving border posts and customs procedures across the Zimbabwean borders and ease customs procedures,” said the ACBF Executive Secretary, Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie in a speech read on his behalf by ACBF’s Senior Program Officer for East and Southern Africa, Dr. Folasade Ayonrinde at the ceremony.
“Ultimately, this will not only reduce the cost and delays incurred by commercial companies, and enhance trade competitiveness, but will also boost government revenues, potentially by up to 25 percent, and accelerate economic development in the continent,” noted Prof. Nnadozie.
Taken in the context of the SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP), the goal is to have borders that perform their necessary controls in less time and at reduced costs. This includes simplification of documents, better coordination of agencies through coordinated border management programmes and one stop border post (OSBP) initiatives and increased ICT use leading to single window applications.
The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Amb. Joey Bimha, expressed his sincere gratitude to the ACBF for making the purchase and the donation a reality.
“The ACBF, through the MoRIIC-P project, has capacitated the Ministry and ZIMRA through computer equipment, it has also assisted the Ministry through human capacity development and training. This has enabled the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to effectively and efficiently carry out its mandate as the cornerstone of regional integration and international cooperation,” added Amb. Bimha
The ICT equipment purchased with funds from the ACBF-supported Ministry of Regional Integration and International Cooperation Project (MoRIIC-P) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is meant to enhance regional integration and improve coordination of development assistance.
