Zambia Signs Key SADC Trade Corridor Deals
Zambia has taken a major step towards strengthening regional trade and transport integration after signing two key corridor agreements at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat in Gaborone.
The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Honourable Museba Frank Tayali, MP, signed the North–South Corridor Memorandum of Understanding and the Beira Development Corridor Agreement during an official visit to the SADC Secretariat headquarters. The agreements cover two of the most strategic transport and trade corridors in the SADC region.
Honourable Tayali was received by Ms Duduzile Simelane, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, alongside senior SADC officials.
The two corridors are aimed at improving the efficient movement of goods and people, promoting intra-regional and international trade, and transforming transport routes into smart economic corridors. Their development is expected to support industrialisation, job creation and sustainable economic growth across southern Africa.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Honourable Tayali commended SADC Member States for their continued commitment to regional corridor development and cooperation. He stressed that the corridors go beyond transport infrastructure, describing them as catalysts for regional value chains, industrial development, inclusive growth and trade facilitation.
The Minister reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to the objectives of the North–South Corridor and expressed the country’s interest in hosting the North–South Corridor Management Institution once it is established.
He also highlighted Zambia’s significant investments in roads, railways, inland dry ports and one-stop border posts, noting that these developments provide a strong foundation for enhanced regional connectivity.
Ms Simelane praised Zambia for its dedication to the development of regional transport and trade corridors, describing the North–South Corridor as a critical driver of infrastructure development and regional integration. She emphasised that improved accessibility and mobility are key enablers of economic growth and said the corridor has the potential to significantly transform the region once fully implemented.
The North–South Corridor forms the backbone of the SADC transport network, linking seven Member States and connecting eight regional corridors. It accounts for about 60 per cent of regional trade by volume and serves roughly half of the SADC population.
The Beira Development Corridor links the Port of Beira on the Indian Ocean with the Port of Lobito on the Atlantic Ocean through connections with the Lobito Corridor. Together, the two corridors are expected to greatly enhance port-to-port connectivity, trade efficiency and regional integration.
Honourable Tayali was accompanied by Zambia’s High Commissioner to Botswana, Her Excellency Ambassador Pamela M. Chisanga, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. The SADC delegation included senior infrastructure and transport programme officials.
