Zambia Launches Smart Corridor Strategy to Strengthen Regional Trade and Border Efficiency
The Zambian government is championing the digitization of corridor management as a core part of its Land-Linked Strategy, aimed at enhancing the country’s connectivity and trade efficiency.
At the launch of the fourth edition of the Land-Linked Zambia Conference in April 2025, Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali emphasized the importance of adopting smart transport corridors across Africa.
He described this approach as a vital “call for action” that requires innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning to transform Africa into a continent that is seamlessly connected and economically dynamic.
Minister Tayali stated, “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 efficient, resilient, and adaptable to evolving societal needs.”
Zambia’s Strategic Corridors
Key corridors linking Zambia to regional ports include:
North–South Corridor: Connecting Zambia to Durban Port, South Africa
Beira Corridor: Linking to Mozambique’s port of Beira
Central Corridor: Connecting to Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania
Walvis Bay Corridor: Leading to Namibia’s main port
Lobito Corridor: Providing access to Angola’s coastline
These corridors are vital for facilitating trade and transport not only within Zambia but also across the broader Southern African region.
Zambia as a Central Trade Hub
Zambia’s central geographical position offers strategic advantages for trade. David Willima, a maritime researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, noted, “Zambia’s location — equidistant from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans — makes it a vital hub for regional trade.
This advantage enables balanced engagement with major global economies such as the United States and China, aligning with Zambia’s economic and developmental goals.”
Willima added that landlocked states like Zambia can secure maritime access by leveraging international cooperation and adhering to frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which defines the rights of landlocked nations to access the sea.
Upgrading Border Infrastructure
To implement its land-linked strategy, Zambia is investing heavily in border infrastructure upgrades. The Nakonde/Tunduma one-stop border post between Zambia and Tanzania is undergoing significant improvements to increase efficiency. Supported by TradeMark Africa, the first phase is over 70% complete and includes:
Installation of advanced truck scanners
Upgraded access roads
Integration of ICT systems to streamline border processing
The second phase, funded by the World Bank’s TRACER Project, is in procurement and will expand infrastructure and provide specialized training for customs and border officials at Nakonde.
Kasumbalesa Border Upgrades
A major development in Zambia’s corridor strategy is the recent signing of a $110 million build, operate, and transfer concession agreement with Zamm-Imports for the Kasumbalesa border post — the busiest crossing in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Planned upgrades include:
Construction of a truck park with a capacity for 2,000 trucks
Establishment of a multi-facility economic zone to encourage trade and investment
These projects are expected to significantly enhance Zambia’s trade capacity, streamline cross-border movement, and strengthen regional integration.
