Luanda:Angola has unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at accelerating regional economic integration across Africa by 2028. This initiative is part of the Tripartite Transport and Transit Facilitation Program (TTTFP), as announced by Secretary of State for Land Transport Jorge Bengue.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Bengue made the announcement at the end of the first Ordinary Meeting of the Multisectoral Commission for the Implementation of the TTTFP. The meeting was chaired by Dionsio da Fonseca, Minister of State and Head of the Civil House of the President of the Republic. Bengue emphasized that the initiative's goal is to modernize and streamline cross-border road transport.
The roadmap outlines several key measures, including improving road quality, installing weighbridges on primary transport corridors, simplifying customs and border procedures, enhancing logistics corridor efficiency, standardizing road transit tariffs, and improving driver training. These efforts are intended to align with those of Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.
Bengue pointed out that effective international freight transport is crucial for trade across the continent. However, current operations face significant challenges due to bottlenecks in road transport and hurdles in establishing a fully functional Free Trade Area, which impede the movement of goods.
The TTTFP is a collaborative effort involving the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the SADC. It aims to harmonize policies, legislation, technical requirements, and operating systems for cross-border road transport.
Angola's dedication to this program marks a critical step towards its integration into the regional market for goods, services, and the free movement of people under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The country initiated the program's implementation after signing a technical assistance contract in April 2017, transitioning from informal efforts to a more structured coordination mechanism.
