The Effect of World Customs Organization’s AEO Programme on Trade Facilitation in Zimbabwe

Despite Zimbabwe offering considerable trade facilitation benefits under its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, only 14 AEOs in total had been accredited at the time of carrying out this research from more than 3,000 transporters, 400 clearing agencies or brokers, 700 large clients, and 3,000 exporters and importers. In view of this low programme uptake, this author saw it justifiable to carry out this study. More so, it is the first of its kind to be undertaken in the country. The qualitative study sought to examine the effects of the World Customs Organization (WCO)’s AEO Programme on trade facilitation in Zimbabwe. Data was collected through a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and secondary data review. The secondary objectives were: a) to appreciate the trade facilitation developments in Zimbabwe, b) to review the AEO regulatory and legislative framework, and c) to understand the administration and management of the programme in the country.