The Rusumo international bridge and one-stop border post, launched on Wednesday, link Rwanda to Tanzania’s Dar-es-Salaam port, where up to 60 percent of Rwanda’s cargo passes.
Trucks weighing up to 180 tons can cross the new bridge, instead of the 40-year old bridge which accommodated a paltry 80 tons, thus clearing transit trucks from one hour to 20 minutes, according to customs officials.
The one-stop border post will enable customs and immigration officers from both countries to work under one roof, reducing time wastage on clearing goods and people on both sides of the border.
Speaking at the Wednesday launch, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Tanzanian counterpart John Pombe Magufuli urged Rwandans and Tanzanians to actively use the border to do business.
“We want trade to increase because that will be to the benefit of both the people of Rwanda and the people of Tanzania,” said Kagame.
On his part, Magufuli called on businessmen in both Rwanda and Tanzania and citizens from the entire East African Community to work together.
“I trust that we can build our countries’ economies by working together,” said Magufuli.
About 2,000 people cross the Rusumo border every day. With the new bridge and post, the number is expected to increase.
Source: News Ghana

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.