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Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have entered into an agreement to construct a 145-kilometer road linking Kolwezi in the DRC to Lumwana in Zambia, passing through the Kambimba-Sakabinda border posts.
The agreement also focuses on enhancing the border infrastructure and connectivity between the two countries, including the establishment of a one-stop border post.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday in Kolwezi, Lualaba Province, by Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, and Congolese Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, Alexis Muvunyi.
In his remarks before the signing ceremony, Milupi highlighted the significance of improving road network connectivity and upgrading border infrastructure to strengthen economic and trade relations between Zambia and the DRC.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, he stressed that the Kolwezi-Sakabinda-Kambimba road would play a crucial role in transporting minerals from both countries.
“Your Excellency, it is our request as Zambia that we undertake the development of this route and corresponding road and border infrastructure in a coordinated manner and ensure it operates as a one-stop border to ensure the smooth flow of people, services, and goods across the border,” Milupi said.
The Minister also revealed that the Zambian government was considering the upgrading of the Pedicle Road and establishing a one-stop border post in Chembe on the Luapula River.
Congolese Minister Muvunyi stated that the Sakabinda-Kambimba road was vital for improving DRC’s infrastructure, which would positively impact economic growth, trade, and the quality of life for citizens in both nations.
“For us as DRC, we have committed ourselves to the timely delivery of this project as it provides us with the shorter link to most African ports for the transportation of our minerals,” Muvunyi stated.
He also noted that the road would promote regional and continental integration, reducing trade barriers.
Lualaba Province Governor Fifi Masuka Saini added that the road would open up new, shorter routes for mining companies in DRC to access export markets.
“Lualaba Province, holding 65 percent of the world’s most crucial minerals such as cobalt and copper necessary for electric vehicle manufacturing, needs to hasten connectivity for easy transportation of these minerals,” Saini said.
On the Zambian side, the government has engaged Sandstone Consortium Limited to construct the 85-kilometer stretch and upgrade border infrastructure through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
On the Congolese side, Toha Investment Limited has been contracted to build the 60-kilometer section.
Construction has already begun on the Zambian side, with the Congolese contractor expected to mobilize on-site by mid-December.
Minister Milupi was accompanied by Northwestern Permanent Secretary Rtd Colonel Gladson Katambi and members of the PPP Council.
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