Mozambique has officially allocated land in northern Nacala Province for the development of a Zambian dry port. The announcement was made by Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, at the Global Transport Connectivity Forum in Istanbul, confirming an agreement with Mozambique’s Transport and Communications Minister, João Matlombe.
The dry port will be managed by Zambia’s state-owned logistics company, Zamcargo, which also operates facilities in Namibia and Tanzania. The new hub is strategically positioned to connect Zambia to the deepwater Port of Nacala, enhancing access to international markets via one of Africa’s most efficient natural harbours.
Boosting cargo handling efficiency
Tayali emphasized that the project is a national priority, aimed at reducing import-export costs and boosting cargo handling efficiency along the Nacala Corridor. Technical teams from both nations are expected to begin operational planning shortly.
This development complements Zambia’s broader infrastructure initiatives, including the Chipata–Serenje–Mchinji railway project, which seeks to establish a seamless trade corridor from central Zambia to the Indian Ocean through Malawi and Mozambique.
The dry port aligns with the African Union’s goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to improve intra-African trade and transport infrastructure. Once completed, the facility is expected to significantly improve Zambia’s trade competitiveness, benefiting not only Zambia but also neighboring countries like Malawi and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Industry analysts view the project as a transformative step toward deeper regional integration and enhanced logistics connectivity in Southern Africa.