Puma Energy Zambia and BHL Group Partner to Transport 3 Million Litres of Fuel Monthly via Walvis Bay–Zambia Trade Corridor
Puma Energy Zambia and BHL Group have signed a landmark five year fuel logistics agreement aimed at improving cross-border transport efficiency and reinforcing the Zambia–Namibia trade corridor.
The partnership is expected to enhance supply chain reliability for Zambia’s mining, industrial, and retail sectors while strengthening regional trade integration.
Enhancing the Walvis Bay Corridor
Under the agreement, BHL Group will transport Puma Energy fuel imports from the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia to Solwezi and other key distribution hubs in Zambia.
Walvis Bay has emerged as a strategic gateway for southern Africa, offering landlocked countries such as Zambia a diversified and increasingly efficient import and export route.
By reinforcing the Walvis Bay Zambia corridor, the partnership reduces reliance on traditional supply routes and enhances fuel security through improved route diversification and transit reliability.
Backhaul Model to Maximize Efficiency
A central feature of the agreement is the implementation of a backhaul logistics model designed to optimize asset utilization.
BHL Group Zambia’s largest copper export hauler will deliver fuel into Zambia and transport copper exports on the return leg to Walvis Bay.
This two-way freight system eliminates empty return trips (dead runs), lowers overall transportation costs, reduces fuel consumption per tonne moved, and improves fleet productivity.
The model enhances commercial efficiency while contributing to more sustainable logistics operations along one of Southern Africa’s most critical trade corridors.
Supporting Zambia’s Mining and Industrial Sectors
The agreement comes at a time when supply chain resilience is increasingly vital for Zambia’s economy. Mining operations in the Copperbelt and North-Western Province depend heavily on stable fuel supplies. Disruptions in energy logistics can significantly affect production output and export performance.
By strengthening the Walvis Bay route, the partnership provides an additional, reliable logistics channel that supports high-value industries and mitigates supply chain risks.
Advanced Safety and Fleet Monitoring
The collaboration also prioritizes operational safety and control. An In Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS) will be deployed across the transport fleet, enabling real-time monitoring of driver behavior and vehicle performance.
The system is expected to:
-Improve compliance with safety standards
-Promote responsible driving practices
-Enhance cargo security
-Strengthen long-haul fleet management across borders
In a sector where road safety and cargo integrity are paramount, the integration of IVMS reflects a commitment to modern, accountable logistics operations.
Projected Capacity and Regional Impact
Operations are scheduled to commence in March, with the route projected to handle up to three million litres of fuel per month.
At full capacity, the corridor will become a significant contributor to Zambia’s national fuel distribution network.
Beyond volume expansion, the partnership deepens trade connectivity between Zambia and Namibia by aligning fuel imports with copper export flows.
This synchronized logistics model supports regional economic growth and strengthens bilateral trade ties.
Strategic Alignment
Puma Energy’s downstream energy expertise, combined with BHL Group’s established capacity in mining and export transportation, creates a complementary partnership that links energy supply with freight efficiency.
Together, the companies are advancing a logistics framework that promotes smarter transport networks, improved supply chain performance, and deeper regional integration across Southern Africa’s trade corridors.
