Zambia is rapidly becoming a major transportation and logistics hub for Southern Africa. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, Zambia is enhancing trade and connectivity while positioning itself as a vital link or corridor between regional and international markets.
Strategic Routes Driving Economic Development
Transportation networks are essential to the expansion of Zambia’s infrastructure. The Lobito Corridor project, a U.S.-backed initiative, aims to revive a century truck railroad connecting the Atlantic port of Lobito in Angola with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The goal of this $10 billion project is to expedite the export of essential minerals such as copper and cobalt, which are required for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
At the same time, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is receiving a significant enhancement. As part of a memorandum of understanding between China, Tanzania and Zambia, the 1,860 km railway will be refurbished, which will improve rail-sea transport in East Africa and provide a critical route for the sea transport of Zambia’s copper and cobalt product.
Road Systems Strengthening Regional Cohesion
Zambia is making great strides in its road network in addition. The LusakaNdola Road is a critical link for domestic and international trade and is a key priority for improvement in building the road through public-private partnerships with emphasis on sustainability and quality.
Accepting Public-Private Collaborations
Due to the large amount of money required for improving infrastructure, Zambia is increasingly utilising Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) as an alternative. PPPs have proven successful in Zambia for sharing responsibility, mobilising resources, and ensuring these projects move to completion.
An Upbeat Future
Zambia’s coordinated efforts to develop its transportation and logistics infrastructure are beginning to pay off. With more monetary support being allocated toward energy, transportation and industrial infrastructure projects, construction is expected to (and I stress the phrase expected to) grow in real terms by 3.6%. These advances not only solidify Zambia’s economy but also reaffirm its importance as a trade and logistics hub in Southern Africa.
Conclusion
As long as Zambia continues to enhance and invest in its transportation infrastructure, it is well poised to seize new opportunities, stimulate economic growth and elevate its citizens’ standard of living.
