SADC truck drivers may ground operations in region over Zambia’s transit permit fees

Truck drivers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and East African regions have announced plans to protest starting December 16, 2024, demanding the Zambian government exempts them from purchasing transit permits.

In a notice dated December 2, 2024, addressed to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, associations representing truck drivers from Malawi, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique expressed frustration over the enforcement of Zambia’s Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010.

The associations argued that the Act mandates transit permits for commercial vehicle drivers who have exhausted a 90-day business visit within Zambia.

These permits, valid for 12 months, cost between K12,000 and K15,000 and can be renewed annually.

“This requirement has forced many foreign drivers out of jobs due to their inability to afford these fees,” the associations stated.

The truck drivers revealed that they had submitted grievances to Zambian authorities since 2021 without resolution.

They warned that if their demands remained unmet, no trucks would cross Zambia’s borders starting on the protest date.

“We want to notify you that no trucks will cross any borders between Zambia and its neighboring countries because we cannot afford M15,000,” they said.

They also called on Zambian truck drivers, particularly those involved in cross-border transport, to join the strike in solidarity.

While acknowledging that countries have the right to implement laws, the truck drivers emphasized the need for equitable regulations that do not disproportionately burden individuals based on nationality.

“It is our greatest wish to enjoy the fruits of independence together in Africa,” they stated, urging authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the matter.

The associations concluded by expressing hope that their notification would prompt action from the Zambian government to address their grievances.

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