The Zambian Cabinet, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, has given the green light to the Beira Development Corridor Agreement, a significant move poised to bolster regional trade and infrastructure development.
This agreement involves Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, aiming to establish a cooperative framework for the Beira Corridor, a pivotal trade route for landlocked nations in the area.
Chairing the cabinet meeting, President Hichilema paved the way for this strategic decision. Frank Tayali, Minister of Transport and Logistics, expressed optimism regarding the agreement’s potential, highlighting its role in addressing common challenges while fostering infrastructure development, transit-transport collaboration, and cross-border trade.
The Beira Corridor holds particular importance for Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, providing them with the shortest path to a seaport.
Access to such a port is vital for enhancing their export competitiveness regionally and globally. Minister Tayali emphasized the corridor’s significance for Zambia, citing it as the fastest route to a seaport.
Following the cabinet’s endorsement, the agreement will undergo presentation to Zambia’s Parliament for ratification.
Once ratified, it will mark Zambia’s fifth approved Corridor Agreement under Minister Tayali’s leadership, with only the North South Corridor Agreement awaiting SADC Secretariat intervention for progress.
Minister Tayali’s advocacy within the cabinet played a pivotal role in securing approval for the Beira Corridor Agreement.
He sees this milestone as a positive stride towards establishing a multimodal transportation system, benefiting not only Zambia but also fostering economic growth across the wider region.
Moreover, this development aligns seamlessly with the New Dawn Government’s vision of propelling Zambia into an export-oriented, middle-income nation by 2030, potentially positioning Zambia as a key regional transport and logistics hub.
Minister Tayali also anticipates the development of the Kafue to Lion’s Den railway link, which is poised to significantly shorten the distance to the Beira seaport by over 1,000 kilometers, further facilitating trade and economic activity.
The Zambian Cabinet’s approval of the Beira Development Corridor Agreement signifies a promising stride towards heightened regional trade, infrastructure advancement, and economic prosperity for Zambia and its neighboring nations.
