Nacala Development Corridor Drives Regional Trade and Connectivity
Stakeholders from government, logistics, and the private sector came together on 28 January 2026 for a high-level webinar titled “Strengthening the Global Supply Chain through Nacala Corridor.” The discussions reaffirmed Zambia’s dedication to advancing the Nacala Development Corridor (NDC) as a vital tool for boosting regional trade, connectivity, and economic growth, positioning Zambia as a strategic player in Southern Africa.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Irene Tembo, Chief Planner and Head of Project in Zambia for the Secretariat for the Nacala Development Corridor under the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, emphasized Zambia’s critical geographic position. Surrounded by eight countries, with an additional connection across Lake Tanganyika, Zambia’s central location is a significant advantage. The government has embraced a vision to transform the nation into a land-linked hub, leveraging its access to key transport corridors that connect to major SADC seaports.
Mrs. Tembo highlighted the multifaceted role of the Nacala Development Corridor, describing it not just as a transport route but as a development corridor aimed at fostering investment, promoting sustainable growth, and alleviating poverty. This aligns with Zambia’s broader economic objectives of improving trade and logistics infrastructure while enhancing regional integration.
During the webinar, participants reviewed progress in areas such as transport infrastructure, trade facilitation, logistics, border management, and institutional coordination. Although advancements have been made, stakeholders acknowledged uneven implementation and stressed the need for better coordination among agencies and deeper engagement with the private sector to unlock the full potential of the corridor.
A significant achievement discussed was the success of One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs), which have been instrumental in improving efficiency and reducing clearance times for businesses and transporters. Six priority OSBPs were identified, including Cassacatiza/Chanida at the Mozambique–Zambia border and Mchinji/Mwami at the Malawi–Zambia border. These facilities are expected to further streamline cross-border trade and logistics operations.
On the rail transport front, Nacala Logistics highlighted the competitive advantages of the Port of Nacala, which boasts a natural deep-water harbour, modern handling facilities, and expanding capacity. The port is increasingly digitalised, enhancing its ability to serve as a reliable hub for regional and global trade. Zambia reiterated its commitment to extending rail connectivity to Chipata, with plans to develop the Chipata–Serenje railway line through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding involving Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The proposed railway project, once completed, is expected to include advanced cargo handling equipment, cold-chain storage, warehousing, and fully digitalised operations. Development organizations such as JICA and the European Union have already expressed their interest in supporting this transformative initiative, signaling strong international backing for the corridor’s expansion.
The webinar also underscored the importance of the Nacala Corridor in strengthening both regional and global supply chains. By enhancing transport infrastructure and fostering intergovernmental cooperation, the corridor is fast becoming a critical artery for trade in Southern Africa. The discussions highlighted the necessity of continued collaboration among governments, development partners, and the private sector to address challenges and accelerate progress.
This initiative represents a significant opportunity for stakeholders across Sub-Saharan Africa to capitalize on improved connectivity, reduced transportation costs, and increased access to international markets. For the African tourism and hospitality industry, enhanced infrastructure along the Nacala Corridor could also serve as a catalyst to boost tourist arrivals, especially in regions with untapped potential. The advancements in logistics and seamless border crossings will undoubtedly create a ripple effect, opening doors for diversified economic growth in the years to come.
