The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has launched the Yellow Card USSD Application, for real-time verification of Yellow Card Validity, to speed up the verification process in Zambia.
The launched USSD Application is available both on Airtel and MTN networks and has been viewed as a positive step towards improving regional integration and trade.
Speaking during the launch in Lusaka today, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary, Lillian Bwalya, said the Yellow Card USSD Application will improve real-time data sharing in the region.
She said it will also reduce the risk of fraud and counterfeit documents.
“The digital system ensures that all Yellow Cards are authentic and verifiable, thereby enhancing trust and security across borders,” said Ms. Bwalya.
Ms. Bwalya said today’s launch demonstrates what the COMESA member states can achieve if they harnessed technology.
Speaking during the same launch ZISC General Insurance Acting Managing Director, Syvia Nguluwe, said the simplified Yellow Card verification process across Airtel and MTN will enhance the capabilities of enforcement agents, allowing them to verify insurance coverage quickly and accurately.
Ms. Nguluwe said it will enable ZISC effectively pay claims across jurisdictions in the region.
Meanwhile, Council of Bureaux Chief Executive Officer, Calven Mutyavaviri said the COMESA USSD Yellow Card is a cornerstone of regional integration and shows commitment to improving cross-border trade.
And Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba, encouraged officers to familiarize themselves with the new tool for efficient delivery.
He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Chief Traffic Office Superintendent Justine Mulele.
By Eva Hatontola.
