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Zambia has expanded its visa-free agreements with several African countries in a move authorities say is aimed at strengthening regional integration and advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Principal Public Relations Officer, Everness Nankala, said the decision marks a bold step toward enhancing economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Nankala said removing visa requirements is expected to promote the free movement of people across borders—an essential pillar for boosting intra-African trade, investment, and collaboration.
She said the policy shift will make travel easier for businesspersons, tourists, and professionals while deepening people-to-people ties, knowledge exchange, and cross-border economic activity.
“These efforts directly support AfCFTA’s vision of breaking down artificial barriers and enabling deeper economic and social integration among African nations,” Nankala stated.
Alongside the mobility reforms, the Ministry is rolling out a comprehensive package of trade facilitation measures to enhance Zambia’s trade with African countries.
These included mandatory pre-clearance and automation of entry and exit gates—supported by a K4,000 penalty for non-compliance—aimed at streamlining border procedures.
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Nankala said the introduction of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme will offer certified traders priority processing at borders and customs points, significantly reducing clearance times for goods.
She added that improved coordination among border agencies had reduced the number of agencies operating at major border posts from about 18 to just six, cutting dwell times for traders to a few hours.
To complement the reforms, government has invested heavily in border infrastructure upgrades, with major works completed at Kazungula and Mwami, and ongoing construction at Chirundu, Kasumbalesa, Sakania, Mokambo, and Nakonde.
“These initiatives are designed to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and create a more conducive environment for trade and investment across the continent,” she said.
Nankala said by aligning visa-free mobility with modernized trade facilitation measures, Zambia was positioning itself as a key driver of AfCFTA’s objectives and a champion of Africa’s collective economic future.
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