Government mulls local shipbuilding, modernization of Mpulungu Harbour

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, says government is considering attracting investors to build ships locally as part of efforts to reduce the cost of marine transport.

Speaking during a working visit to Mpulungu district of Northern Province on Thursday, Tayali, who inspected infrastructure at Mpulungu Port operated by Mpulungu Harbour Corporation Limited, noted that Zambia faced stiff competition from neighbouring countries already building their own vessels.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, he said government would propose in the 2026 national budget that the Ministry of Finance zero-rate the importation of equipment and materials required for shipbuilding and other marine vessels.

“The government can help reduce competition by lowering the cost of transportation, which includes extending the Tanzania-Zambia Railways (TAZARA) line to Mpulungu Harbour from Nseluka,” Tayali said.

He further announced the establishment of a Cabinet subcommittee to spearhead harbour infrastructure development.

Tayali stated that the subcommittee will be chaired by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and include the Ministers of Tourism, Commerce, Trade and Industry, and Infrastructure.

Tayali stressed that government was determined to modernize Mpulungu Harbour to make it more economically viable.

Mpulungu Harbour Board Chairperson Fellystons Nchimunya said upgrading the facility would boost business interest and proposed that government create a Multi-Facility Economic Zone in Northern Province to further support trade.

Meanwhile, Harbour Corporation Managing Director Katowa Kabunda said the harbour had significant potential to expand its revenue base once adequately capacitated.

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