{"id":14548,"date":"2025-06-01T15:52:27","date_gmt":"2025-06-01T15:52:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ugandaupdatenews.com\/?p=14548"},"modified":"2025-06-01T15:55:32","modified_gmt":"2025-06-01T15:55:32","slug":"using-digital-identities-to-modernise-border-controls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/using-digital-identities-to-modernise-border-controls\/","title":{"rendered":"Using digital identities to modernise border controls"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Pedro Alves<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geneva, Switzerland<\/em> – We all want secure, safe and easy travel.  However, with traveller numbers surging to record levels and governments wanting to unlock tourism\u2019s full economic potential, resource-strapped immigration, intelligence and border agencies face a critical challenge:  How to handle rising demand without compromising security?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a question they will grapple with when meeting this week in Addis Ababa to discuss digitalised biometric-powered traveller processes and how they can be used to promote social-economic development while countering organised international crime, terrorism and the spread of contagious diseases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel and tourism have a central place in this conversation as they are critical to national growth and prosperity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a global challenge but with the right approach, even small steps can unlock big improvements, and African nations are well-placed to lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth in demand for travel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

African air travel is growing fast.  Last year, passenger numbers jumped nearly 15%, and capacity expanded by 11%, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).  Long starved of investment, African governments are improving airport infrastructure to boost visitor numbers.   Ethiopia\u2019s US$7.8 billion, four-runway, Bishoftu mega-airport may be the continent\u2019s biggest but it is one of several developments.  Morocco is investing US$4.1 billion in airport expansions ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup<\/a> and Luanda\u2019s new Dr Agostinho Neto International recently opened for business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The border challenge in focus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increased passenger numbers and shiny new terminals won\u2019t deliver the full benefits unless borders keep pace.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simultaneously, to improve global security, the UN Security Council has resolved to strengthen member states\u2019 ability to track potential terrorist movements.  Despite successes in South Africa and Angola many African countries are still thinking about how to develop or enhance such capabilities.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From static systems to dynamic responses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Border security must remain the priority alongside infrastructure expansion. However, it must reflect the technology advancements that are changing traveller expectations and presenting new security threats.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Borders must not become bottlenecks.  Interoperability, speed, coordination and adaptability are fundamental.  Dynamic, digitalised tech-driven borders let governments adjust policies and procedures in real-time, strengthening security and enhancing their countries\u2019 attractiveness as destinations for travel, trade, tourism and investment.  It requires a mindset shift to think of borders as a vital part of an integrated, connected system instead of just a checkpoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why integration matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effective borders involve immigration, customs, public health, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.  A siloed approach fuels fragmentation, inefficiencies and creates serious security gaps, whereas an integrated model brings together data and decision-making across agencies. Integration delivers a single-window view of each traveller or item entering a country.  It makes assessments simpler, responses faster and leaves resources focused where they\u2019re needed most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that African countries aren\u2019t hamstrung by outdated legacy systems so they can leapfrog advanced Western economies by adopting an integrated borders concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A better experience at the border<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

IATA<\/a> reports that over 70 per cent of travellersface long queues and repeated document checks. This causes frustration and drains resources even when most travellers are not a risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By pre-clearing travellers before they arrive, using secure digital identities and tapping into real-time data, border agencies will relieve congestion and process people more efficiently.  Because airport and border experiences make indelible first and last impressions, improved traveller and shipper experiences will promote a positive image of an airport and a country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start small. Think big.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most effective changes start small with a consistent, collaborative and modular approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The advancement of digital travel credentials (DTCs) is a case in point.  Worldwide there is soaring demand for faster, contactless travel processes \u2013 with over 60% of passengers saying they would pay for a DTC.   Aruba<\/a>\u2019s pre-clearance DTC pilot has proven it is possible to move passengers through the border in just eight seconds, while also improving passenger data accuracy and compliance.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How countries can quickly make progress<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These focused steps can soothe immediate pain points and lay the groundwork for more ambitious transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It needs near-term and long-term views, i.e.<\/p>\n\n\n\n