Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah S.L.M. Salakae, recently visited the Kazungula Bridge and the One Stop Border Post as part of a familiarization tour organized by the Kazungula Bridge Project Office (KBPO).
The visit, held on Friday, provided the minister with a firsthand view of the project’s progress and its strategic importance to the region.
Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Transport and other key stakeholders, Minister Salakae highlighted the Kazungula Bridge as a testament to the enduring partnership between Botswana and Zambia.
The Kazungula Bridge is a landmark infrastructure project aimed at bolstering connectivity between Botswana and Zambia. It is a vital component of a larger initiative to enhance regional trade, transport, and security, with far-reaching benefits for Southern Africa.
The project is managed by the Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA), an entity jointly established by Botswana and Zambia under a 2008 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This collaborative body oversees the operations of both the bridge and the One Stop Border Post.
Minister Salakae’s visit also served as an opportunity to review the achievements of the KBA and the cooperative efforts of both governments in ensuring the seamless functioning of this critical infrastructure.
The bridge is expected to significantly improve the movement of goods and people, thereby fostering economic growth in Botswana, Zambia, and the broader region.
During his address at the site, Minister Salakae commended the progress achieved and emphasized the Kazungula Bridge’s role in advancing Botswana’s transport and infrastructure capabilities.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering large-scale infrastructure projects that benefit Batswana and contribute to the nation’s development goals.
The minister underscored that the completion of the Kazungula Bridge is a significant milestone in Botswana’s infrastructure agenda, demonstrating the government’s dedication to fostering regional connectivity and economic growth.
The Kazungula Bridge is poised to become a cornerstone of Southern Africa’s trade and transport network, enabling efficient and direct access for trade, tourism, and transportation across the Botswana-Zambia border.
Minister Salakae urged officials from both nations to expedite the resolution of any remaining bilateral agreements to fully operationalize the project.
He stressed that continued collaboration between Botswana and Zambia is essential for promoting regional trade, enhancing economic integration, and deepening ties between the two countries.
As part of the governance arrangement, Botswana hosts the Kazungula Bridge Authority, while Zambia appoints its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
This cooperative structure reflects the mutual respect and shared vision of the two nations in managing the bridge’s operations. y
Beyond its infrastructural significance, the bridge symbolizes the strength of Botswana-Zambia relations, underscoring their joint commitment to regional development.
The Kazungula Bridge stands as a transformative project, with the potential to reshape trade routes and supply chains across Southern Africa.
Its completion represents not only an engineering feat but also a powerful testament to regional unity and collaboration.
As Botswana and Zambia continue to work together, the bridge is set to drive connectivity, foster economic growth, and promote shared prosperity for years to come.
