From February 4-7, representatives from Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States convened in Harare to address the persistent challenges at the Kasumbalesa Border Post, a vital trade hub between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The meeting, organized by the SADC Secretariat and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), aimed to find lasting solutions to congestion, trade facilitation delays, infrastructure shortcomings,
Category: Road Freight
Oshoek Border Post Reopens to Freight Traffic Following Collision
South Africa’s main logistics border with Eswatini has officially reopened to road freight, despite conflicting reports circulating on social media. Cross-border trade facilitator Louise Wiggett confirmed that a limited number of trucks were allowed through the Oshoek Border Post on Monday night, January 27. By Tuesday, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) verified that operations had been fully restored following a severe collision on Sunday morning. The accident occurred when
Namibia and Zambia Advance Efforts to Operationalize Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post
Namibia and Zambia have taken a significant step toward operationalizing the Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) through the inaugural Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting. The meeting, held in Sesheke, Zambia, from January 13 to 17, 2025, focuses on establishing governance structures and frameworks to implement a bilateral agreement signed in June 2024. Led by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), the week-long discussions involve representatives from various border agencies. Jacqueline
Botswana’s Transport Minister Tours Kazungula Bridge, Highlights Regional Impact
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
Zambia and DRC Agree to Clear 500 Trucks Daily to Ease Border Congestion
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reached an agreement to clear at least 500 trucks daily at the Kasumbalesa border, aiming to alleviate severe congestion on the Copperbelt. The decision follows reports of over 3,000 trucks stranded on the Zambian side of the border. Katanga Governor Jacques Katwe announced that customs officers’ working hours at Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakanya border posts will be extended from 6 hours
$700 Million Set for Phase One of Kinshasa-Brazzaville Bridge Project
The total cost of the first phase of the Kinshasa-Brazzaville road-rail bridge construction project is estimated at $700 million. This figure was announced during a restitution meeting held on Wednesday, January 15, 2024, and chaired by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. The meeting brought together delegations of experts from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo. DRC’s Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, Alexis Gisaro, emphasized that
AfDB Approves $165 Million Loan to Boost Madagascar’s Trade Corridors
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $165 million loan to Madagascar to develop critical trade corridors and strengthen regional connectivity. The funding, sanctioned on December 11 in Abidjan, will finance the third phase of an infrastructure project aimed at enhancing trade routes across the country. Adam Amoumoun, the AfDB’s country manager for Madagascar, stated that the financing would come from the African Development Fund, the concessional lending
Lebombo Border Reopens Amidst Ongoing Unrest in Mozambique
The Lebombo border with Mozambique has reopened to travelers, but with limited operations, according to an announcement by the Border Management Authority (BMA) on Thursday. Jane Thupana, the BMA’s acting commissioner, confirmed that pedestrian and small vehicle processing resumed on a restricted scale. Statistics showed that 7,471 travelers were processed on December 11, reflecting a 50% drop in movement compared to the same period in 2023. This partial reopening follows
AfDB Approves $100 Million Loan for Kigali’s Urban Transport Revamp
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $100 million loan to overhaul Kigali’s urban transport system, aiming to tackle the city’s growing mobility challenges. The “Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project,” finalized on December 2 at AfDB’s headquarters in Abidjan, seeks to create an inclusive, efficient, and safe road network for the city. With a population of 1.7 million, set to double by 2050, Kigali faces congestion, limited public transport
Long-Distance Truck Drivers Threaten Zambia Border Shutdown Over Visa Policy
Cargo movement through Zambia faces a potential shutdown from December 16 as long-distance transport unions representing foreign truck drivers plan labour action against the government of President Hakainde Hichilema. A letter addressed to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) headquarters in Gaborone outlines the unions’ intentions to enforce a “truck stoppage,” effectively halting operations at all Zambian borders. The dispute stems from recent measures by the Zambian government to tighten