Nakonde One-Stop Border Post
The Nakonde One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) Improvement and Upgrading Project – Phase 1 has officially kicked off, marking a significant milestone in Zambia’s efforts to enhance border operations. This initiative is being funded by the UK government through Trade Mark Africa, with a substantial investment of US$10 million. The China Rail Construction and Engineering Group has been selected as the main contractor for this vital project, which is situated at one of Zambia's most heavily trafficked borders.
This border post is crucial, as it facilitates 22% of the nation’s trade and manages the processing of over 800 trucks daily. The primary goal of Phase 1 is to improve the commercial operations that occur at the border. Key upgrades will include enhancing the cargo scanning capabilities, allowing the facility to process over 100 trucks per hour efficiently. Additionally, a new truck parking yard will be constructed to accommodate the increased flow of vehicles. These enhancements are anticipated to significantly reduce the current truck processing times, which are approximately 64 hours, down to just 10 hours by the time the upgrades are completed. The target date for the completion of this phase is set for 31 March 2025. Minister Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi has conveyed his appreciation for the World Bank's TRACER Project, which is set to finance the second phase of this ambitious initiative. Phase 2 is projected to cost US$22 million and will focus on expanding the main terminal facilities.
This phase will also seek to improve passenger services, bolster digital trade capabilities, and introduce advanced smart border technologies. Previous attempts to develop the OSBP faced setbacks in 2019, primarily due to insufficient infrastructure on the Zambian side, including the absence of suitable access roads. This current project aims to address and resolve these infrastructural challenges, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of operations along the Dar-es-Salaam Corridor.
The Minister highlighted the critical nature of this project, emphasizing that adherence to high standards of quality, accurate pricing, and prompt delivery are essential for its success. In conclusion, the Nakonde OSBP Improvement and Upgrading Project represents a transformative effort to streamline border operations, improve trade efficiency, and ultimately contribute to Zambia’s economic growth. The collaboration between the UK government, Trade Mark Africa, and the China Rail Construction and Engineering Group illustrates a strong commitment to developing vital infrastructure that supports regional trade and boosts the country's standing in international commerce.
