Zambia and Botswana have reached an important agreement to accelerate the expansion of trade infrastructure at the Kazungula Bridge, one of Southern Africa’s most strategic gateways. The decision was made after high-level bilateral talks between the two countries, aimed at easing congestion, reducing delays, and unlocking greater trade opportunities. Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali confirmed that the joint plan will focus on upgrading customs systems, expanding truck parking facilities, and introducing a joint border management framework. According to him, these reforms could reduce freight crossing times from several days to just a few hours, saving businesses millions of dollars in transport costs each year.
The Kazungula Bridge, which officially opened in 2021, was designed to ease congestion at border posts and provide a more efficient route for goods between Zambia, Botswana, and other parts of Southern Africa. It was also meant to serve as an alternative to the Beitbridge crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe, which is often heavily congested. However, since its opening, the bridge has recorded trade volumes far beyond initial forecasts. This rapid growth has stretched its capacity, prompting urgent calls from regional stakeholders for infrastructure upgrades.
Minister Tayali stressed that the expansion is not only about reducing border delays but also about positioning Zambia as a competitive regional transit hub. By modernising the Kazungula crossing, Zambia will be able to speed up exports of agricultural products, minerals, and manufactured goods. This will give farmers, miners, and industrial producers easier access to regional and international markets. Tayali further explained that the project fits into Zambia’s wider transport infrastructure strategy, which includes road rehabilitation, the revival of railway networks, and the digitisation of freight clearance processes.
Collaboration with Botswana is expected to ensure that the new systems at Kazungula meet international standards and create a seamless experience for transporters. Both governments have also agreed to explore joint investments in logistics parks, warehousing, and value-addition facilities near the border. Such developments could attract private sector investment, create jobs, and generate new revenue for both economies. Economic experts argue that this kind of cross-border cooperation is crucial for Zambia to fully benefit from its position as a land-linked country that connects Central and Southern African markets.
Tayali assured the public that environmental and community considerations will be included in the planning stages. Feasibility studies will be conducted to assess any potential impacts on the surrounding ecosystem, with measures to ensure that local communities benefit from the project. In addition, he said that funding options are being carefully considered. Public-private partnerships and concessional loans are on the table as possible financing methods to ensure that the expansion can move forward without placing a heavy burden on national budgets.
The announcement has been welcomed by the transport sector, particularly trucking associations and freight forwarders. These groups have long complained of bottlenecks at the bridge, which undermine efficiency and increase costs. With the new agreement in place, the reforms are expected to transform the Kazungula corridor into a faster, more reliable, and more competitive trade route. The timeline for the first phase of construction and system upgrades is expected to be confirmed in the coming months, marking a new chapter in Zambia and Botswana’s partnership for regional economic integration.
