The Zambian Cabinet has approved the Beira Development Corridor Agreement, a move that is expected to boost regional trade and infrastructure development. The agreement, which includes Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, aims to establish a framework for cooperation on the Beira Corridor, a critical trade route for landlocked countries in the region.
This decision comes after a cabinet meeting chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema. Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali is optimistic about the agreement’s potential, stating it will create mechanisms to address shared challenges and promote infrastructure development, transit-transport cooperation, and cross-border trade.
The Beira Corridor is particularly important for Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo as it provides the shortest route to the sea. This access to a seaport is crucial for these countries’ export competitiveness on a regional and international scale. Minister Tayali highlighted the Beira Corridor’s significance for Zambia, emphasizing its role as the quickest path to a seaport.
Following the cabinet’s approval, the agreement will be presented to Zambia’s Parliament for ratification. If ratified, this will be the fifth Corridor Agreement Zambia has approved under Minister Tayali’s leadership. There is only one remaining corridor agreement pending approval – the North South Corridor Agreement. However, progress on this agreement awaits intervention from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat.
Minister Tayali played a key role in advocating for the Beira Corridor Agreement within the cabinet. He expressed confidence that this approval signifies a positive step towards establishing a multimodal transportation system that will not only benefit Zambia but also contribute to the economic development of the wider region.
Furthermore, Minister Tayali believes this development aligns perfectly with the New Dawn Government’s vision of transforming Zambia into an export-driven, middle-income nation by 2030. He also sees Zambia becoming a regional transport and logistics hub.
The development of the Kafue to Lion’s Den railway link is another project Minister Tayali looks forward to. This railway line is expected to reduce the distance to the Beira seaport by more than 1,000 kilometres, further streamlining trade and economic activity.
The Zambian Cabinet’s approval of the Beira Development Corridor Agreement signifies a promising step towards enhanced regional trade, infrastructure development, and economic growth for Zambia and its neighbouring countries.
