Transforming the Zambia electronic trading landscape with the single window system

As part of globalisation, new technologies and easier methods of conducting trade have been introduced and it is imperative that countries do not fall behind in these new developments. It is necessary to evaluate these developments to maximize their benefits. An analysis of the electronic single window and its contribution to improving coordination and trade facilitation at Zambia’s Kazungula Border has been conducted in this study. The aim is to assess how various agencies contribute toward improving the efficiency of the single window system and how national laws influence the system. The single window is a digital platform used for the single submission of trade documents for imports, exports and transits. The study examines the single window background and its intended objectives as well as how these objectives are being met at the Kazungula border. It further utilizes a holistic approach, combining extensive and intensive margins of trade with gravity models to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of international trade. The size of the economy, distance, costs, and the ability to maintain and attract new trading partners are some of the factors considered. A simple theory of change is also provided to illustrate and establish the causal link between the system, border coordination, and trade facilitation. It also illustrates how outcomes are achieved to result in long-term impacts, as well as how several laws empower and enable the function of the single window in Zambia. Consequently, the study concludes that the single window is not solely responsible for coordination and trade facilitation at the border, but that it is part of several measures to facilitate trade and coordination at the border. Several recommendations have been made based on the factors affecting coordinated border management and trade facilitation. These include the allocation of more resources and the reorganization of government agencies, with avenues for future research.