The World Bank has allocated $270 million in grants to Tanzania and Zambia to bolster commercial and transportation ties between the two countries.
This funding, part of the six-year Transport Corridors for Economic Resilience project, aims to enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and climate resilience of key regional trade routes in eastern and southern Africa.
Focused primarily on the Dar es Salaam corridor, a critical route facilitating trade between Tanzania and Zambia, the project will address various challenges and inefficiencies.
Key road sections will undergo renovation and upgrades, border crossings will be streamlined to expedite cargo flow, and investments in climate-smart infrastructure will be made to withstand harsh weather events.
Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, emphasizes that the project signifies a significant commitment to regional trade and transportation, aiming to reduce trade costs, boost cross-border commerce, and create new business opportunities.
An estimated 2.5 million Zambians are expected to directly benefit from the initiative, with positive spillover effects extending to neighboring countries.
Recognizing the threat of climate change, the project integrates climate resilience measures into infrastructure development.
This includes using weather-resistant materials, implementing drainage systems to prevent flooding, and ensuring infrastructure can withstand shifting weather patterns, safeguarding the long-term viability of the transportation network.
In addition to financial support, the World Bank provides technical expertise to ensure effective project implementation.
Close collaboration with Tanzanian and Zambian authorities will be essential, including capacity-building programs to strengthen local organizations responsible for overseeing and maintaining transportation infrastructure.
The success of this project could serve as a model for similar initiatives across Africa, showcasing the benefits of investing in robust transportation routes and fostering regional collaboration.
By stimulating infrastructure development and promoting trade, the project paves the way for a more prosperous and connected future for the continent.
While still in its early stages, the potential benefits of the World Bank’s $270 million grant are significant. By addressing transportation bottlenecks, promoting trade, and enhancing climate resilience, the project has the potential to transform the Dar es Salaam corridor into a vital artery for economic growth and opportunity in both Zambia and Tanzania, with positive ripple effects throughout the region.
