The Comesa Yellow Card Council of Bureaux Secretariat rolled out a USSD verification app in Zimbabwe that lets border officers check if yellow cards are legit using just a regular phone. The system works without internet and aims to cut down on fake insurance cards while speeding up crossings for trucks and vehicles moving between member states.
Chief executive Calven Mutyavaviri said the tool makes verification faster and more reliable since enforcement agents can confirm coverage on the spot instead of dealing with paper systems that are easier to game. The yellow card scheme is basically regional insurance that covers third-party liability when vehicles cross borders, and it keeps trade flowing by making sure foreign drivers have proper coverage.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that over 308,000 cards got issued in the 2022/23 period, pulling in about $17 million in premiums across the region.
Chief executive Calven Mutyavaviri said the tool makes verification faster and more reliable since enforcement agents can confirm coverage on the spot instead of dealing with paper systems that are easier to game. The yellow card scheme is basically regional insurance that covers third-party liability when vehicles cross borders, and it keeps trade flowing by making sure foreign drivers have proper coverage.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that over 308,000 cards got issued in the 2022/23 period, pulling in about $17 million in premiums across the region.
