Govt Signs $8 Million Upgrade Deal for Nakonde Border Post

The government has signed a deal worth US$8.2 million with UK NGO Trademark Africa to upgrade the border post at Nakonde in Muchinga Province.

The agreement seeks to improve infrastructure at the border crossing, decongesting traffic and improving the flow of trade between Zambia and Tanzania. The project is aimed at enhancing trade facilitation beyond the two countries while simultaneously lowering the cost of doing business and creating jobs.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement, Finance Minister Situmbeko Musoktowane said the project signalled a move towards a “smarter, more efficient trade mechanism that will catalyse growth.”

He added that President Hakainde Hichilema would soon be meeting with his Botswanan counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, to assess progress made in improving the Kazungula border post between the two countries.

Also speaking at the event, Trademark Africa CEO David Beer praised the agreement and said it marked the beginning of several transformative projects that have been lined up for Zambia.

Trademark Africa describes itself as an ‘aid for trade organisation’, with the goal of improving trade facilitation on the continent in order to catalyse economic development.

Also in attendance was British High Commissioner to Zambia Nicholas Woolley, who announced that the UK government would mobilise an additional $2 million to sponsor construction works at the Nakonde border post.

Mr Woolley said the project was a demonstration of his government’s support for Zambia and the goal of regional economic integration.

World Bank Country Manager for Zambia Achim Fock also commended the project and said the bank would finance the development of key infrastructure, the supply of ICT equipment and the training of staff at Nakonde.