Smarter borders, stronger trade

Africa’s push for stronger regional trade has made the smooth movement of people and goods a central priority. Yet many transport networks still depend on outdated border systems, manual processes and disconnected infrastructure – factors that slow trade and undermine efficiency.

To overcome these challenges, governments across the continent are expanding the use of intelligent transport systems and smart mobility tools. These combine automation, real-time data, and citizen-focused services to enhance compliance, streamline decision-making and improve the flow of traffic. As Myles Donnelly, chief sales and marketing officer at ICE Tech, explains: “Digital mobility isn’t just an upgrade – it’s becoming the backbone of how modern borders operate across Africa.”

ICE Tech’s work at the Beitbridge border post in Zimbabwe, along with its new modernisation role at the Kasumbalesa border post in Zambia, highlights how African-developed technology is reshaping high-volume border crossings.

Beitbridge border modernisation

Beitbridge is one of the busiest and most strategically important land borders in Sub-Saharan Africa. Working with the Zimborders Consortium, ICE Tech delivered a full digital border management platform linking customs, immigration, law enforcement and environmental agencies on a single system.

The solution includes automated traffic control equipment, a comprehensive queueing system and system-driven compliance processes. These upgrades have reduced waiting times, increased throughput and strengthened overall traffic management. Since going live, the modernised systems have reduced freight clearance times from 72 to under three hours, while processing millions of transactions across integrated agencies.

Built for local operating realities, the technology incorporates power and network redundancy, multilingual support and easy adaptation to new regulations. “One of the reasons Beitbridge succeeded is because the technology was built around African conditions, not imported assumptions,” explains Donnelly.

Kasumbalesa border upgrade

Following the achievements at Beitbridge, ICE Tech was appointed as the technology partner for the Kasumbalesa Border Modernisation Project in Zambia. Launched in July 2025, the project introduces systems that connect all border agencies, along with automated traffic control, AI-powered vehicle classification and number plate recognition. This crucial crossing, central to trade between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is now undergoing a full digital transformation.

Once fully operational, the modernised system will reduce freight delays, improve revenue protection and strengthen compliance. An online payment option will also allow transporters to settle fees in advance. “Predictability is everything for freight operators, and digital systems give them exactly that,” notes Donnelly.

Systems designed for African conditions

As digital border management continues to show results, governments across Africa are extending similar technologies into national transport operations. ICE Tech’s platform supports this shift by unifying vehicle registries, tolling systems, enforcement tools and payment tracking.

This integrated approach improves oversight and enables data-driven decision-making, while also giving citizens easier access to essential services through mobile and web platforms. Donnelly highlights the significance of this trend: “When agencies share accurate data in real time, it transforms how an entire transport network functions.”

Scalable and sustainable technology

ICE Tech designs its systems so local teams can manage and update them without external developers. A low-code framework enables ministries to modify workflows as laws and conditions evolve.

The platforms are scalable to additional border posts and compatible with national digital systems. They are also ready to integrate with future tools such as predictive analytics and digital ID. As Donnelly puts it, “Scalability is key – once a digital border proves its value, governments want the same capabilities across their entire network.”

Africa’s transport future relies on smart, connected systems that work reliably in challenging conditions. The progress at Beitbridge and Kasumbalesa demonstrates what can be achieved through effective public-private collaboration.

Smart mobility strengthens security, enables trade and supports long-term national development. As Africa’s transport networks continue to evolve, intelligent systems will remain essential in building a more connected and competitive continent.