Govt Prioritizes Trade and Investment with Sakania Border Modernization Project

The Zambian government is advancing its commitment to promoting trade and investment through the modernization of border infrastructure, aiming to streamline border operations and reduce transit costs. 

Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, stated that the improvements will reduce time and costs associated with border crossings, thus easing the cost of doing business. 

These comments were delivered on his behalf by Mrs. Nalituba Mwale, Director of Human Resources and Administration, at the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the development of the Sakania Border Post and the Ndola to Mufulira Road.

“This project marks more than just the beginning of construction,” Mulenga emphasized. “It’s a pivotal step towards fostering economic growth, strengthening road and border infrastructure, and promoting trade facilitation to bolster regional cooperation.”

The modernization and expansion of Sakania and Mokambo Border Posts are part of a broader effort to enhance the North-South Corridor, aiming to reduce congestion at the Kasumbalesa Border Post. These upgrades are expected to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and increase Zambia’s competitiveness on a global scale.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Charles Milupi, outlined the project costs, which include $27.2 million for road construction, $1.1 million for bridges and crossing points, $19.8 million for border post facilities, and $6.3 million for integrated transport information systems and instrumentation. The project, structured as a 22-year Public-Private Partnership, allocates three years for construction.

“The New Dawn government has heard the concerns of Mufulira and Ndola residents regarding the deteriorated state of the Ndola-Sakania-Mufulira road,” Milupi said. “This Public-Private Partnership Project will deliver a reliable route for residents and ease travel between Ndola and Mufulira. It is expected that the decongestion of the Ndola-Kitwe Sabina-Mufulira road will help alleviate traffic at Kasumbalesa, encouraging some traffic to divert through Sakania.”