Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE 38th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) meeting of the Council of Bureaux of the Regional Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance kicked off in Victoria Falls this Wednesday, amid revelations a phenomenal increase of 33 percent in yellow cards issuance was recorded last year compared to 2023.
COMESA Yellow Card Council of Bureau Chairperson, Mr Kusikwenyu told journalists on the sidelines of the COMESA meeting of the Council of Bureaux of the Regional Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance that his organisation issued more than 600 000 yellow cards in 2024, as opposed to about 450 000 the previous year.
Of these cards, over 70 000 were issued to vehicles exiting Zimbabwe.
He attributed the growth to ongoing efforts to raise awareness in member states on the benefits of the yellow card.
“That growth has been because of the efforts of the council to grow the yellow card through conscientising the motorists on the benefits of the yellow card. Remember, the yellow card is a trade facilitation instrument, and it allows drivers that cross borders to be able to get compensation quickly if they’re involved in accidents outside the country,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s Insurance and Pensions Commission’s Ms Sibongile Siwela director noted the significance of the yellow card.
“First of all, I think it contributes to the growth of the insurance industry in Zimbabwe in terms of revenue growth. Secondly, I think it protects people in Zimbabwe and also foreigners who find themselves in Zimbabwe, should they have a need to use insurance. It facilitates a transition of goods, it facilitates trades of individual persons, and it makes it easier for them to travel from one country to the other without the hassles of buying insurance at the borders. You just produce your yellow card and you pass through.”
The gathering brings together representatives from over 14 COMESA member states, including Zimbabwe, to review and enhance the Yellow Card Scheme.
This scheme, crucial for regional trade and travel, facilitates the seamless movement of goods, services, and people across borders.
