The shift to a 24-hour economy in Zambia is bound to make tremendous changes in the logistics and transport sector in the country, which is vital towards fostering trade and economic development. The Government is eliminating one of the largest obstacles to efficient transport, limited operating hours, by permitting businesses, markets, and bus stations to operate twenty-four hours per day. Night travel restrictions, delays at border points, and limited-service hours have been reducing the productivity and slowing the performance of trucks and cargo movements over the years, which all add to the costs and decreased productivity.
The economy of around-the-clock will enable transporters to transport goods around without unnecessary delays. This is particularly crucial to long-route truck operators who are always wasting precious time when a market, depot, or even border opens. Through 24-hour operations, there will be an improvement in turnaround times, there will be more fuel efficiency and the delivery schedules will be more consistent. This is going to be advantageous not only to the logistics but to the traders and manufacturers who rely on time movement of goods.
The effect will be more pronounced along major trade routes along the coasts of the regions like Nacala and Lobito, and major roads like the Solwezi-Kipushi road connecting Zambia with the Democratic Republic of Congo. With increased trade along these routes increased traffic is anticipated, and this will be taken 24 hours a system will mean that the trucks will not have to park overnight and as a result of this there will be congestions and delays. Rather, the movement of goods across borders will become smoother, which will make Zambia a transport hub in the region.
To transport operators, the policy opens up ways of making more profits. Trucks that would have done less journeys because of time constraints will now undertake operations 24/7 which will increase income. The long hours will also be an advantage to the bus operators as it will provide passengers with more flexible travel time as well as enhance connections between towns and cities. This will consequently generate additional employment in driving, servicing, logistic arrangement, and security.
This change will be of great benefit to small-scale transporters and informal traders. By having markets open 24 hours a day, they are able to deliver goods and offer them to the market at the most convenient and profitable time. This flexibility will be beneficial in minimizing losses, especially of perishable goods, and enhance efficiency in the supply chain on a large scale.
Nevertheless, security and infrastructure will be the key determinants of the success of a 24-hour logistics system. The cargo and truckers should be safeguarded at all times, and especially at night. Better illumination, law enforcement, and security on highways and transport centers will be necessary. Also, the fuel supply, roads, and rest facilities for the drivers should be reliable to promote continuity of operations.
To sum up, the adoption of a 24-hour economy in Zambia can transform the logistics and transport industry through efficiency and delays, as well as enhancing trade flows. Although there are security and infrastructure challenges that should be dealt with, the general gains are enormous. An efficient transport system will also reduce the cost of conducting business in the country, increase regional trade and employment, which will make Zambia a stronger and competitive force in the regional economy.
