Time and Cost Spent on Transit Cargo at the Tunduma Cross-Border Point and Their Influence on Trade Flows

Abstract

The study examined the historical time and cost spent on transit cargo at the Tunduma cross-border point and their influence on trade flows. Specifically, it examined the quantity of goods crossing the border, customs clearance times, and how regional trade agreements have helped speed up regional trade. The study was guided by the Absolute Advantage Theory. Using practical philosophy and a mixed-methods design, the study targeted a population of 1,200 people, including cargo truck drivers, customs officers, and TANROADS staff. A sample size of 112 respondents was chosen using Yamane's formula. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 29, while qualitative data was examined using thematic analysis in NVivo version 17.

The findings showed that past trade was badly hurt by manual paperwork, multiple inspections, and poor teamwork between government offices, causing delays ranging from 72 hours to over a week. These problems led to heavy traffic jams, high transport costs, and low trade volumes. The study concludes that trade at Tunduma used to suffer from slow paperwork, long delays, and high expenses. However, upgrading the border with digital systems, better teamwork between countries, and investments in good roads and technology has successfully made the trade route much faster, smoother, and more competitive. Finally, the study recommends a comprehensive strategy combining digital automation, inter-agency coordination, regional regulatory alignment, and infrastructure investments to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce clearance times, and lower transport costs.