Gov’t Engages China on Development of Strategic Dry Port in Kapiri Mposhi
Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Museba Frank Tayali, held a high-level meeting with a visiting delegation from the People’s Republic of China to collaborate on the development of a strategic dry port in Kapiri Mposhi, Central Province.
The meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lusaka, was attended by the Governor of China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Erkin Tuniyaz.
Hon. Tayali expressed gratitude to the Chinese delegation for their continued interest in Zambia’s economic development, particularly in the transport and logistics sector.
“We welcome your visit and your commitment to contributing to Zambia’s economic transformation. While your current interest lies in the Kapiri Mposhi Dry Port, we encourage broader investment across all sectors of our economy,” he said.
He emphasized that Kapiri Mposhi is a critical node within the Central Corridor and a key trade route connecting Zambia to the Port of Dar es Salaam and the wider SADC region.
The Minister explained that the Kapiri Mposhi Dry Port Project aims to enhance trade efficiency by reducing port congestion, streamlining inland logistics, and strengthening regional integration to benefit Zambia and neighboring countries such as the DRC, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
Proposed infrastructure under the project includes container handling facilities, bonded warehouses, customs inspection zones, improved road and rail links, and modern ICT systems for cargo tracking.
“The Government is adopting a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the project and welcomes participation from international investors and development finance institutions such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank,” Hon. Tayali said.
He disclosed that feasibility studies had been completed, land secured, preliminary designs finalized, and stakeholder consultations currently underway.
The Ministry is now focused on finalizing partnerships to begin phased implementation.
“The Kapiri Mposhi Dry Port is a transformative project with the potential to reshape regional logistics and trade. The Government’s commitment is strong, and the time for strategic private sector investment is now,” the Minister concluded.
Hon. Tayali thanked the Chinese delegation for their interest and reaffirmed Zambia’s readiness to collaborate on the project and other national development initiatives.
