Zambia and DRC Sign Milestone Agreement to Boost Trade and Infrastructure
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have sealed an agreement to construct a 145-kilometer road linking Kolwezi in the DRC to Lumwana in Zambia, through the Kambimba-Sakabinda border.
This transformative project, finalized in Kolwezi, Lualaba Province, aims to modernize border infrastructure, enhance trade efficiency, and deepen economic ties between the two nations.
The agreement, signed by Zambia’s Infrastructure Minister Charles Milupi and DRC’s Public Works Minister Alexis Muvunyi, includes developing a one-stop border post to expedite the movement of people and goods.
Minister Milupi highlighted the critical role of the Kolwezi-Sakabinda-Kambimba corridor in transporting minerals, a cornerstone of both economies. “Close collaboration on this route and its infrastructure is essential for seamless operations,” he said.
The project aligns with Zambia’s strategic infrastructure goals, complementing other initiatives such as the Chembe one-stop border post and the Pedicle Road upgrades.
Congolese Minister Muvunyi stressed the road’s role in improving regional trade and providing quicker access to African ports, reducing barriers and promoting economic integration.
Governor Fifi Masuka Saini of Lualaba Province emphasized the road’s impact on the DRC’s mining sector, home to 65% of global cobalt and copper reserves vital for electric vehicle production. “This will lower transport costs and boost our global competitiveness,” she noted.
Construction responsibilities are divided between the two nations. Zambia’s 85-kilometer stretch is being built by Sandstone Consortium Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with work already underway. The DRC’s 60-kilometer section will be executed by Toha Investment Limited, starting mid-December.
This collaboration demonstrates Zambia and the DRC’s shared commitment to addressing logistical challenges, fostering regional integration, and bolstering their positions as global leaders in the minerals market.
