The Zambian government is actively promoting the digitization of corridor management as a key component of its comprehensive land-linked strategy, which aims to enhance the country’s connectivity and trade efficiency. At the official launch of the fourth edition of the Land-Linked Zambia Conference held in April, Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali highlighted the importance of embracing smart transport corridors across Africa. He described this theme as a vital “call for action” — one that emphasizes the need for innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning to transform Africa into a continent that is seamlessly connected and economically vibrant.
Minister Tayali underscored Zambia’s pivotal role in these continental connections, stating, “Beyond economic benefits, smart transport corridors have the potential to unite the continent. In an increasingly interconnected world, Africa cannot afford to be left behind. We must embrace the future and build transport networks that are not only efficient but also resilient and adaptable to the ever-changing needs of our societies.”
The key corridors linking Zambia to various regional ports include the North–South Corridor, which connects Zambia to South Africa’s Durban Port; the Beira Corridor, linking to the port in Mozambique; the Central Corridor, connecting to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania; the Walvis Bay Corridor, leading to Namibia’s major port; and the Lobito Corridor, providing access to Angola’s coast. These strategic corridors facilitate trade and movement not only within Zambia but also throughout the broader Southern African region.
Zambia’s positioning as a central logistics hub is receiving notable support from various stakeholders. David Willima, a maritime researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, remarked, “Zambia’s strategic central location — equidistant from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans — allows it to serve as a vital hub for regional trade. This geographical advantage enables balanced engagement with major economies such as the United States and China, fostering a diplomatic approach that aligns with Zambia’s economic and developmental ambitions.”
Willima further emphasized that Zambia and other landlocked states can secure their access to maritime routes by leveraging international cooperation and adhering to legal frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which outlines the rights of countries to access the sea.
To implement the land-linked strategy effectively, the Zambian government is focusing on significant upgrades to border infrastructure. The Nakonde/Tunduma one-stop border post between Zambia and Tanzania is undergoing extensive updates to enhance its operational efficiency. The first phase of these upgrades, supported by TradeMark Africa, is currently over 70% complete and includes the installation of advanced technologies such as a state-of-the-art truck scanner, improvements to access roads, and the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) equipment to streamline processing.
The second phase of development, funded through the World Bank’s TRACER Project, is in the procurement stage and aims to further augment the infrastructure and provide comprehensive training for customs personnel and border officials at Nakonde.
Another critical development in border management is the recent signing of a $110 million build, operate, and transfer concession agreement with Zamm-Imports. This agreement will facilitate upgrades to the Kasumbalesa border post, which serves as the busiest border crossing in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Planned enhancements at this border post include the construction of a truck park with a capacity to accommodate 2,000 trucks, along with the establishment of a multi-facility economic zone designed to promote trade and investment opportunities in the region. These strategic initiatives are expected to significantly boost Zambia’s trade capacity and economic growth, facilitating smoother cross-border transactions and foster regional integration.
