• Zambia and the SADC signed agreements on the North-South and Beira corridors.
• The deals aim to boost freight efficiency, trade, and corridor modernization.
• The corridors handle a large share of regional trade and population flows.

Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Museba Frank Tayali, on January 22 signed two framework agreements with the Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The first is a memorandum of understanding on the North-South Corridor, and the second covers the Beira Development Corridor. According to the SADC Secretariat, the agreements aim to improve freight transport efficiency, promote intra-regional and international trade, and support the transformation of transport corridors into smart economic corridors.

The implementation of the two frameworks is expected to support job creation, industrialization, and sustainable economic growth across the region. As a landlocked country, Zambia relies heavily on regional infrastructure for supplies and international trade. The North-South Corridor is one of the main trade routes serving Southern Africa, as well as parts of East and Central Africa.

The corridor also serves as the international gateway to Zambia’s rail network. Linking seven SADC member states and eight regional corridors, it handles around 60% of regional trade flows and directly serves about 50% of the bloc’s population. Its long-term benefits are expected to extend to all member states.

The modernization of the Beira Development Corridor is expected to open up new trade opportunities with countries in COMESA, SADC, and those along the Indian Ocean. The corridor is connected to the Lobito Corridor and plays a key role in strengthening connectivity between regional ports.

Lydie Mobio