Zambia Building Bridges Across Borders for Trade, Energy and Security
Zambia now maintains strategic, tactical and healthy economic relationships with all its eight neighbouring nations, a positive transformative signal of balancing growth and sense of stability.
Zambia today stands out as one of the most diplomatically stable and cooperative nations in Southern Africa, maintaining strong and productive relations with all eight of its neighbouring countries.
This includes on the list Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Zambia’s long-standing commitment to peaceful coexistence, non-interference and regional collaboration has positioned the country as a trusted voice within SADC and COMESA, strengthening its influence across the region.
These healthy diplomatic ties carry significant economic and strategic value.
Zambia relies heavily on its neighbours for trade facilitation, access to ports and the smooth movement of goods, fuel, minerals, and agricultural commodities.
The TAZARA and TAZAMA corridors with Tanzania has remained as a vital channel for both transport and fuel supply, while the Walvis Bay–Ndola–Lubumbashi Corridor continues to open up global market access through Namibia’s ports.
Enhanced border management systems with Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi have also improved trade efficiency and reduced business costs.
Energy cooperation stands out as a key pillar of Zambia’s regional relationships. As the country grapples with climate-related hydropower challenges, partnerships with Mozambique and the DRC have become critical for electricity imports.
Ongoing interconnection projects with Tanzania and Angola further strengthen Zambia’s ability to stabilise its energy supply while contributing to a more integrated Southern African Power Pool.
On the security front, Zambia’s cooperative approach supports peace and stability in a region that continues to face pockets of insurgency and conflict.
The country works closely with neighbours under SADC frameworks to manage shared security threats while playing a constructive role in promoting stability in the Great Lakes region.
Cultural and social ties across Zambia’s borders, rooted in shared histories and ethnic linkages, further reinforce these bilateral relationships by fostering people-to-people diplomacy.
Overall, Zambia’s healthy relations with neighbouring countries are a strategic asset. They underpin economic resilience, boost energy security, strengthen regional peace, and enhance cross-border trade and investment.
As global and regional dynamics evolve, maintaining these strong partnerships will remain essential for Zambia’s long-term growth and leadership in the region.
