Govt launches feasibility study for Mansa–Matanda trade corridor

Government says it has begun a key infrastructure process aimed at opening up Luapula Province as a regional trade gateway, following the commencement of a feasibility study on the Mansa–Matanda Road to evaluate its potential transformation into a major transport corridor.

In a statement issued in Mansa on Saturday, Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Prudence Kangwa said the project would be implemented under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

On Friday, Kangwa hosted a technical delegation deployed by the Road Development Agency (RDA) to assess the viability of upgrading the road into a strategic route connecting Zambia to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kangwa noted that Luapula was now benefiting from Zambia’s shift from being landlocked to land-linked, with improved access to major ports such as Dar es Salaam, Walvis Bay, and Durban, while opening new trade routes into the Congo.

“Increasing traffic on roads such as the Mansa–Chembe and Pedicle routes had highlighted the urgent need for alternative corridors to support economic growth, infrastructure durability and cross-border commerce,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary described the Mansa–Matanda feasibility study as a timely intervention expected to decongest existing roads and unlock significant investment opportunities across the province.

Kangwa also assured the team of the government’s full support and urged close coordination with the Provincial Administration to ensure smooth engagement with departments such as the RDA, Immigration, and other key stakeholders.

Project Coordinator Olippah Kumi said the multi-disciplinary engineering team would spend 15 days on the ground conducting technical, economic, and environmental assessments required for the proposed corridor.

“The project, once developed, will significantly enhance connectivity between Luapula Province and Lubumbashi, strengthening Zambia’s position as a regional logistics hub,” Kumi said.

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