DRC and Zambia Formalize Historic Agreement for Chalwe-Kabila Border Post Development
The governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia inked a significant bilateral agreement on November 17, 2023, in Lusaka, Zambia, marking a pivotal step toward the implementation and operation of the Chalwe-Kabila single border post.
This post is a key component of the Kasomeno-Mwenda toll road project, developed by GED Africa Ltd.
Representing the DRC government, Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde’s presence was symbolized by Minister of State for Infrastructure, Alexis Gisaro, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Trade Jean Lucien Bussa Tongba and Prime Minister’s Special Advisor, Romulus Kisambe.
On the Zambian side, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Chipoka Mulenga, notably participated in the signing ceremony.
The extensive bilateral discussions held earlier in the year culminated in the agreement signing, showcasing both administrations’ eagerness to exchange expertise and accelerate the KMTR project.
This milestone marks the first One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) between Zambia and the DRC, poised to enhance economic growth via improved infrastructure and streamlined trade facilitation.
Aligned with international frameworks like the World Trade Organization Facilitation Agreement and regional policies such as the African Development Community Treaty Southern Africa and the African Union’s free movement of people policy, this agreement exemplifies Zambia’s commitment to harmonizing regional policies.
Once the OSBPA is operational, joint steering committees will progress by establishing detailed policies and procedures through the operations manual.
For the Congolese side, the establishment and functioning of the border post will usher in standardized border controls, reducing trade halts, transportation expenses, and transit times.
This initiative promises immediate, medium, and long-term employment prospects, with ongoing construction, three years of major construction, and 22 years dedicated to road maintenance and single border crossing facilities.
CEO of GED Africa, Klaus Findt, emphasized the significance of this bilateral agreement and the successful finalization of private policing agreements in both countries, reinforcing their commitment to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring safety across the project’s domain.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senior Advisor Romulus Kisambe conveyed gratitude to President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi and Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde for their unwavering commitment since 2012 in realizing this project, which saw renewed momentum under Prime Minister Sama Lukonde’s leadership.
The project encompasses the modernization, construction, and expansion of a 184 km highway, a 345 m cable-stayed bridge at Luapula River, the establishment of a one-stop border post, toll systems, social infrastructure, and community development initiatives.
