By 
The 4th edition of the Land-Linked Zambia Conference has been reportedly launched, emphasizing the need for SMART transport corridors to facilitate the movement of goods, services and people across Africa.
The 2025 conference, themed “Embracing SMART Transport Corridors in Africa,” is expected to take place in Lusaka in April next year.
Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, who launched the event on August 20, 2024, highlighted that Africa’s 17 major transport corridors were central to regional trade, moving over 150 million tonnes of cargo annually and contributing billions of dollars to the continent’s economy.
He noted that Zambia had embraced several key corridors, including the North–South, Beira, Central, Walvis Bay and the newly included Lobito Corridor.
Tayali emphasized the broader impact of smart corridors, stating they have the potential to unite Africa and ensure the continent remained connected in an increasingly globalised world.
Read More: Govt to upgrade transportation infrastructure to foster regional integration, boost trade
He stressed the importance of building resilient and adaptive transport networks to meet future societal needs.
The upcoming conference is particularly timely as the African Continental Free Trade Area gains momentum, which Tayali described as a game-changer for regional integration and economic development.
Chimwemwe Nyirenda, one of the event’s organizers, underscored Zambia’s crucial role as a land-linked country in facilitating trade with its neighbors.
He pointed out that the demand for green minerals, such as copper, cobalt and nickel, critical for emerging technologies like electric vehicles, was driving interest in cross-country corridors.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments