The Ministry of Works and Transport has launched a digital information system to improve the monitoring of cross-border truck movement and conduct health checks.
The system was launched on behalf of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The Transport Registers and Information Platform Systems, or TRIPS, is an information and communication technology gateway that interconnects the National Transport Information Systems to improve information sharing and authentication of transit documents, licenses, permits, and vehicles between a number of member states.
It also aims to improve the efficiency of transport across African borders by improving information sharing about the movement of people and vehicles.
Reduction of traffic congestion and facilitation of cross-border trade are some of the benefits.
"The objectives of TRIP and CTMS resonate with our ministry's strategic goal of facilitating trade and transport and promoting regional integration through the implementation of regional SACU, SADC, and Tripartite and continental free trade agreements," said Cedric Limbo, Director of Transport Policy in Namibia's Transport Ministry.
TRIPS and the Corridor Trip Monitoring System are being implemented by COMESA, EAC, and SADC through the Tripartite Transport and Transit Facilitation Programme, funded by the European Union to the tune of more than N$352 million.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Roads Authority, Conrad Lutombi, says the Corridor Trip Monitoring System further facilitates the transit of essential goods, including food, fuel, and medicine, across borders in the tripartite regions.
"The TRIP is an information communication technology gateway that interconnects the National Transport Information System in order to improve information sharing and verification of transit documents, licenses, permits, and vehicle and driving particulars between 25 participating member states."
Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are participating in the system at present.
The system is currently being rolled out to fellow member states such as Malawi and Mozambique.