The Zambian government, in partnership with Western Corridor Limited, has embarked on a major public–private partnership (PPP) to upgrade the Mutanda–Kaoma road, a project that is set to reshape Zambia’s transport and logistics landscape. The road upgrade is a critical step in improving regional connectivity, reducing transport costs, and strengthening Zambia’s position as a competitive trade and transit hub in Southern Africa. By improving one of the country’s key east–west links, the project is expected to unlock faster, safer, and more reliable movement of goods across the North-Western and Western Provinces.
At the heart of the project is the need to improve logistics efficiency for both exports and imports. The upgraded Mutanda–Kaoma road will support the smooth transport of bulk commodities such as copper, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, as well as agricultural produce including honey and other farm goods. For logistics operators, the road will reduce travel time, vehicle wear and tear, and delays associated with poor road conditions. This is expected to translate into lower freight costs and improved delivery schedules for businesses operating in mining, agriculture, and general trade.
The road is also strategically important for import logistics. It will provide a more efficient route for moving mining consumables, heavy machinery, vehicles, fuel, and construction materials into Zambia through the Atlantic port of Walvis Bay in Namibia. Walvis Bay is increasingly being recognised as a reliable and less congested alternative to traditional routes through South Africa and Tanzania. For transporters and freight forwarders, this route offers shorter turnaround times and improved predictability, which are critical factors in modern supply chain management.
As part of the wider Western Corridor Transformation Project, the Mutanda–Kaoma road is designed to form the shortest and fastest road link between Zambia’s western mining and farming regions and the Atlantic Ocean. The project is expected to cut transport distances by approximately 400 kilometres compared to traditional southern routes. The conversion of the current gravel road into an international-standard bituminous highway will allow for higher traffic volumes, heavier loads, and year-round access, even during the rainy season.
From a regional logistics perspective, the corridor complements other major infrastructure developments such as the Lobito Railway, rather than competing with them. Transport experts note that having multiple well-developed corridors to the Atlantic coast improves resilience in the logistics system. When one route faces congestion, political challenges, or infrastructure disruptions, cargo can be diverted to alternative corridors, ensuring continuity of trade and reducing supply chain risks for Zambian exporters and importers.
The mining logistics sector stands to gain significantly, particularly in the North-Western Province Copper Hub, which includes Mutanda, Kalumbila, Solwezi, and Lumwana. The road will support the efficient haulage of minerals from these areas, as well as copper from the main Copperbelt and transit cargo from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Katanga region. This strengthens Zambia’s role as a key transit country for regional mineral exports.
Beyond mining, the improved road will enhance agricultural logistics by connecting farming areas to markets and processing centres more efficiently. It will also support rural transport, local trade, and service delivery. In the long term, the corridor could be integrated with rail infrastructure, further boosting logistics efficiency. Overall, the Mutanda–Kaoma road upgrade represents a major investment in transport infrastructure that is expected to deliver lasting benefits for Zambia’s logistics sector and broader economy.
