The Kazungula Gateway: Unlocking Seamless Trade in Southern Africa
Southern Africa is witnessing a major shift in how trade moves across its borders, and at the center of this transformation is the Kazungula Bridge.
The opening of the Kazungula Bridge, which connects Zambia and Botswana across the Zambezi River, represents a significant step toward strengthening regional trade and logistics.
During the launch of the authority, the President, alongside his Botswana counterpart, Duma Boko, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to enhancing trade and economic integration between the two neighbours.
Spanning 923 metres and constructed at a cost of approximately US$259 million, the bridge forms part of the vital North–South Corridor, a key trade route linking Southern Africa’s major economies.
Before the bridge was built, the Kazungula crossing relied on ferry pontoons that could transport only one heavy truck at a time, creating significant delays and congestion at the border.
The bridge and the integrated One-Stop Border Post have significantly improved the flow of goods and reduced border delays.
Transit times that once stretched beyond 30 hours have now dropped to roughly 4 hours, while daily truck movements through the crossing have more than doubled.
Freight volumes moving through the corridor have also surged, increasing from approximately 12,800 tonnes per week to over 50,000 tonnes per week.
These improvements are not just about infrastructure; they represent a powerful shift toward seamless regional trade, improved supply chain efficiency, and stronger economic collaboration across Southern Africa.
The Kazungula Gateway now plays a critical role in facilitating trade between regional economies, including Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, supporting key sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics.
As Southern Africa continues to unlock the potential of its trade corridors, these developments directly feed into the agenda of the Landlinked Zambia Conference 2026.
The conference will bring together policymakers, transport and logistics leaders, infrastructure developers, and investors to explore how strategic infrastructure and efficient corridors can accelerate regional trade and economic growth.
The Kazungula Gateway stands as a powerful reminder that the future of trade in land-linked economies depends on connectivity, collaboration, and innovation.
Be part of the movement shaping the future of transport and trade in Southern Africa.
Join industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators at the Landlinked Zambia Conference 2026 and contribute to the conversations driving seamless trade across the region.
Register today and secure your place at Landlinked Zambia 2026 using the link below:
https://app.glueup.com/event/land-linked-zambia-conference-exhibition-2026-152298
