Zambia Signs North–South and Beira Corridor Agreements to Boost SADC Trade and Transport Integration
Zambia has taken a significant step toward strengthening regional trade and transport integration after signing two strategic corridor agreements at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana.
The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Honourable Museba Frank Tayali, MP, signed the North–South Corridor Memorandum of Understanding and the Beira Development Corridor Agreement during an official visit to the SADC Secretariat headquarters. The agreements cover two of the most critical transport and trade corridors within the SADC region.
Honourable Tayali was received by Ms. Duduzile Simelane, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, together with senior SADC officials.
The two corridor initiatives aim to improve the efficient movement of goods and people, promote intra-regional and international trade, and transform transport routes into integrated economic corridors.
Their development is expected to support industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth across southern Africa.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Honourable Tayali commended SADC Member States for their continued commitment to regional cooperation and corridor development.
He emphasized that the corridors extend beyond transport infrastructure, describing them as catalysts for regional value chains, industrial development, inclusive growth, and trade facilitation.
The Minister reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to the objectives of the North–South Corridor and expressed the country’s interest in hosting the North–South Corridor Management Institution once it is established.
He also highlighted Zambia’s substantial investments in roads, railways, inland dry ports, and one-stop border posts, noting that these initiatives provide a strong foundation for enhanced regional connectivity.
Ms. Simelane praised Zambia’s dedication to advancing regional transport and trade corridors, describing the North–South Corridor as a critical driver of infrastructure development and regional integration.
She underscored the importance of improved accessibility and mobility as key enablers of economic growth and noted that the corridor has the potential to significantly transform the region once fully implemented.
The North–South Corridor serves as the backbone of the SADC transport network, linking seven Member States and connecting eight regional corridors.
It accounts for approximately 60 percent of regional trade by volume and serves nearly half of the SADC population.
The Beira Development Corridor connects the Port of Beira on the Indian Ocean with the Port of Lobito on the Atlantic Ocean through linkages with the Lobito Corridor.
Together, these corridors are expected to significantly enhance port-to-port connectivity, trade efficiency, and regional integration.
Honourable Tayali was accompanied by Zambia’s High Commissioner to Botswana, Her Excellency Ambassador Pamela M. Chisanga, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. The SADC delegation included senior officials responsible for infrastructure and transport programmes.
