The Zambian Ministry of Transport and Logistics, along with the Zambia Development Agency and industry partners, is taking a bold step towards boosting regional trade and mobility. The 3rd iteration of the Land-Linked Zambia (LLZ) Conference and Exhibition, set for April 4th and 5th, 2024 in Lusaka, aims to be a catalyst for collaboration among Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries. This year’s event holds particular significance as it comes shortly after the successful Lobito Corridor Private Sector Investor Forum, also held in Lusaka.
Building on this momentum, LLZ 2024 will welcome representatives from all 14 SADC countries. Leading these delegations will be over 14 SADC Transport Ministers, signifying the high-level commitment to addressing regional transport challenges. The conference will also feature participation from port authorities in Beira, Dar es Salaam, Nacala, Walvis Bay, and Durban, highlighting the focus on creating a seamless regional network.
Discussions at the conference will center on the critical role of transportation in the recently implemented African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA). Experts will delve into finding efficient logistics solutions for key sectors like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. Additionally, they will explore ways to streamline cross-border trade by reducing delays and unnecessary costs.
The discussion of potential problems in Zambia and the larger regional transport industries is expected to take place on LLZ 2024. The 8th National Development Plan of Zambia is anticipated to benefit greatly from the insights gained from these talks, especially about its objectives of revitalizing the transport industry and raising the involvement of Zambian companies in the supply chain for logistics and transportation.
LLZ 2024 presents a singular chance for companies to network and communicate, going beyond mere conversations. This conference offers a forum to create beneficial alliances and optimize business processes, regardless of area of expertise—transportation, distribution, storage, importing machinery and raw materials, exports, procurement, trade, or any other facet of supply chain management.
This conference marks a significant milestone in realizing the vision of a well-connected and economically integrated Africa. With Zambia playing a pivotal role in facilitating trade and movement, LLZ 2024 paves the way for a more prosperous future for the region, further solidifying Zambia’s strategic position as a land-linked nation.
