Digital transformation of Zim ports a game changer

PHILLIMON MHLANGA

The implementation of  the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA)’s new  electronic platform  for trade processes can be a game changer as it promotes the fast and quick clearance of goods at points of entry, experts have said.

ZIMRA has adopted the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZeSW) which  allows trading parties to electronically submit permits, licences, certificates of origin and all documents relating to the importation and exportation of goods.

The system which is being developed by ZIMRA in collaboration with consultants UNCTAD, was launched last week.

UNCTAD  programme manager, Jacques Hillinger said the ZeSW will be rolled out in phases and full implementation is expected at the end of next year.

“It  will also bring about operational transparency  and will make it easy to transact  business across borders.

“It will be implemented in a phased approach. We are looking at  implementing the first phase  before the end of this year. We expect full implementation by the end of next year, ” Hillinger said.

The new  system is expected to, among other things, decongest border posts and expedite cargo clearance  processes, reducing the overall time  and cost to trade.

Apart from that, the paperless system will also  minimise incidences of corruption at the country’s borders and has the potential  of increasing  revenue inflows to the government through fees, duties and penalties.

Hillinger said a high level task force to steer the programme has been set.

“A project steering committee has been established. A project implementation team  has also been appointed. Legal experts are also reviewing  the current ICT legal framework,” he said.

ZIMRA acting commissioner general, Regina Chinamasa  told Business Times that the application of technological solutions was a key step towards transforming ZIMRA  into a government entity  that can keep abreast  the needs , requirements and expectations of today’s modern world.

She admitted that the manual system currently in use at the border posts  has become a fertile ground for corruption and should be nipped  in the bud.

“The launch of the Zimbabwe Single Window is in fulfillment of  the trade  facilitation agreement  where we made a commitment to create ease of doing business by creating a single portal where information required by the various stakeholders at the ports will be submitted once and then it will be processed in the back end,” Chinamasa told Business Times.

She added: “So, the platform is a component of the ASYCUDA system and is coming through our service provider UNCTAD. So, there will be no disruption on the ASYCUDA  but its going to enhance it and will be riding on existing data fields that we have.

“But, what we will do is to upload the certificates, permits within the same platform under ASYCUDA.

“When we finally roll it out, we  are aiming at creating better turn around times, better processing times and avoiding multiple stakeholder interventions  and documents submission.

ZIMRA has been battling to curb the scourge despite investing heavily in high tech scanner equipment (baggage and palletised), post importation audits, physical searches and whistle blowing initiatives and cargo monitoring.

ZIMRA has also invested in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) computer system which is more efficient and advanced for customs data processing.

The initiative, Chinamasa said was in tandem with government’s economic blue print, the National Development Strategy 1,  which emphasise on use of ICTs.

The Electronic Single Window concept has been implemented in several other countries around the world including Rwanda,  Ghana, Senegal, Singapore, Jamaica, Comoros, Grenada.

The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development , George Guvamatanga said the Single Window Platform will accelerate  the clearance procedure and enhance collections of fees and duties.

“Benefits  to be achieved upon successful implementation of the single window in Zimbabwe include faster movement of goods through ports of entry , easy access to information , online access to information, enhanced collections of fees, duties and penalties , reductions in corruption and illegal trade activities and enhanced transparency and accountability,” Guvamatanga said.

“The successful development and implementation of a Single Window depends on certain critical factors, such as political will, strong lead agency, partnership between government and trade and establishment of legally instruments to facilitate the implementation of Single Window is a pre-requisite to the introduction of the concept.”

Contacted for a comment  the ZeSW, the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe CEO, Joseph Musariri said: “As the programme is still being crafted, we only wish that clearing agents are included in the implementation committee at this stage.”