Transport Minister Tayali Champions Zambia’s Land-Linked Vision Through Regional Corridor Development
Zambia’s Transport Minister Champions Zambia’s Land-Linked Vision Through Regional Transport Corridor Development
Zambia is intensifying efforts to transform itself from a landlocked nation into a regional logistics and trade hub through sustained investment in transport infrastructure, corridor development, and regional cooperation, Minister of Transport and Logistics Hon. Museba Frank Tayali announced during the opening of the Land-Linked Zambia 2026 Conference in Lusaka.
Speaking to government officials, industry leaders, and regional partners, the minister emphasized that Africa’s economic future depends on stronger regional integration and more efficient transport corridors capable of supporting intra-African trade, industrial development, and cross-border value chains.
The conference, held under the theme “Beyond Borders – Shaping the Future of Africa’s Transport Corridors for Shared Prosperity,” highlighted the growing importance of transport and logistics systems as critical enablers of trade, job creation, and economic growth across the continent.
Zambia Strengthening Key Regional Corridors
The government has prioritized the operationalization and strengthening of major regional transport corridors linking Zambia to key ports and markets across Southern and Eastern Africa.
These include the North-South, Dar es Salaam, Walvis Bay, Nacala, Beira, and emerging Lobito corridors, which are increasingly serving as vital channels for trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
According to the minister, these corridors are evolving beyond traditional transit routes into economic lifelines that support industries, connect communities, and facilitate the movement of goods across borders.
“Africa’s future does not lie in isolated national strategies,” the minister said. “It lies in integrated regional systems and corridors that unlock industries, connect people, and create prosperity across nations.”
He stressed that increasing trade within the continent remains a strategic priority, noting that African economies must strengthen regional supply chains and expand intra-African commerce under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Major Investments in Road, Rail, and Aviation Infrastructure
Zambia has made significant progress in expanding and modernizing its transport infrastructure across multiple modes, including aviation, road, and rail.
In aviation, the government has upgraded provincial airports in key regions such as Kasama, Mfuwe, Mongu, and Solwezi, improving access to trade, tourism, and agricultural export markets.
On the road network, large-scale projects such as the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway are being implemented through public-private partnerships to enhance connectivity between major economic centers and improve freight efficiency.
Rail infrastructure is also receiving renewed attention as part of the country’s logistics modernization strategy. Key initiatives include the revitalization of the TAZARA railway, which reconnects Zambia to the Port of Dar es Salaam, and the recapitalization of Zambia Railways to strengthen domestic freight movement.
In addition, the proposed Kafue–Lion’s Den Railway Project with Zimbabwe is expected to shorten transport distances, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen regional integration between the two countries.
From Transport Corridors to Economic Corridors
Government policy is increasingly focused on transforming transport corridors into economic corridors capable of driving industrial development and local value addition.
This strategy includes the development of logistics hubs and dry ports, agro-processing zones along major routes, and industrial parks designed to stimulate manufacturing and regional trade.
Authorities also aim to ensure that communities located along transport corridors benefit directly from economic activity generated by increased trade flows.
“Corridors must not only pass through countries they must develop countries,” the minister noted.
Trade Facilitation and Border Efficiency Remain a Priority
Improving trade facilitation and reducing border delays remain central to Zambia’s logistics strategy.
The government has invested in One-Stop Border Posts at key crossings, including Kazungula, Chirundu, Nakonde, and Mwami, significantly improving border efficiency and reducing transit times for cargo.
Inland water transport is also being expanded to extend connectivity to underserved regions, with development initiatives underway in areas such as Nchelenge, Samfya, and Siavonga.
These efforts form part of a broader national vision to reduce the cost of doing business, improve supply chain reliability, and strengthen Zambia’s competitiveness as a regional logistics hub.
Call for Regional Cooperation and Integrated Systems
The minister emphasized that successful corridor development depends on strong collaboration between governments, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
He called for deeper cooperation in policy alignment, infrastructure investment, and regulatory harmonization to ensure seamless movement of goods across borders.
“No single country can achieve this vision alone,” he said. “Corridors, by their very nature, demand cooperation in policy, investment, and standards.”
Transport and Logistics as Drivers of Economic Growth
As Zambia continues to position itself as a land-linked economy, transport and logistics are increasingly viewed as strategic enablers of economic transformation.
By strengthening regional connectivity and promoting intra-African trade, authorities aim to support mining exports, agricultural production, industrial development, and broader economic diversification.
The Land-Linked Zambia initiative reflects a long-term strategy to integrate transport infrastructure with industrial development and regional trade systems, reinforcing Zambia’s role as a gateway between Southern, Central, and Eastern Africa.
The minister concluded by urging stakeholders to commit to building transport corridors that not only connect countries but also sustain economies and create shared prosperity across the continent.
