President Hakainde Hichilema and his Botswana counterpart, Duma Boko, have officially launched the Kazungula Bridge Authority, with a renewed call to strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area and accelerate regional economic integration.
President Hichilema says the operationalisation of the Authority marks a significant milestone in enhancing trade efficiency and unlocking economic potential for both Zambia and Botswana.
“The Kazungula Bridge must drive increased cargo volumes and promote return loads if we are to unlock real economic value for our two countries and the region,” President Hichilema said.
ZANIS reports that the Head of State further emphasised the need for increased joint ventures between Zambia and Botswana, including expediting the completion of the railway line linking the neighbouring countries, and promoting multi-country tourism products.
“This infrastructure must not only connect our territories but also connect our economies through value addition, manufacturing and tourism development anchored on regional cooperation,” he said.
Botswana President, Duma Boko, described the Kazungula Bridge as a symbol of Africa’s resolve to redefine infrastructure development in line with modern economic aspirations.
He says over the years African infrastructure was designed to export raw materials, but now the narrative has changed with African leaders working hard to enhance manufacturing.
“The Kazungula Bridge represents a decisive shift from infrastructure designed for the evacuation of raw materials to infrastructure that supports the transportation of processed and value-added goods,” President Boko said.
He reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Zambia in stimulating manufacturing growth and advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“We are committed to working closely with Zambia to ensure that this Authority becomes a model of coordinated and sustainable management for enhanced trade along the North-South Corridor,” he said.
Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, said the establishment of the Kazungula Bridge Authority will strengthen coordinated infrastructure management and guarantee the long-term sustainability of the strategic asset for improved trade facilitation.
“Through this Authority, we are committing ourselves to a harmonised and sustainable management framework, that will enhance trade flows along both the north and south corridors and maximise the bridge’s economic impact,” Mr Milupi said.
And, Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah Salakae, noted that the Authority underscores the two governments’ shared resolve to ensure efficient operations, transparency and improved logistics performance.
He said Botswana remains dedicated to coordinated management systems that will boost trade and economic growth across the region.
President Hichilema’s delegation included Acting Minister of Foreign affairs and International Cooperation, who is also Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Peter Kapala, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, and Southern Province Minister, Credo Nanjuwa.
