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The Zambian government has begun engaging Chinese partners to develop a strategic transport infrastructure project, the Kapiri Mposhi Dry Port in Central Province.
Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, met on Friday with a Chinese delegation led by Erkin Tuniyaz, Governor of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, at his Lusaka office.
He expressed gratitude for China’s sustained interest in Zambia’s economic growth, particularly in transport and logistics.
Tayali said: “We welcome your visit and your commitment to contributing to Zambia’s economic transformation. While your current focus is the Kapiri Mposhi Dry Port, we encourage broader investment across all sectors.”
Located at the junction of the TAZARA Railway and Zambia Railways line, Kapiri Mposhi is a pivotal node on the Central Corridor, a vital trade route linking Zambia and the SADC region.
The Dry Port project aims to enhance trade efficiency by alleviating port congestion, streamlining inland logistics, and promoting regional integration that benefits Zambia and neighboring countries.
It is also expected to stimulate local economic growth and create jobs in Kapiri Mposhi and surrounding areas.
“The proposed infrastructure will include container handling facilities, bonded warehouses, customs inspection zones, improved road and rail connectivity, and modern ICT systems for cargo tracking,” Tayali outlined.
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He noted that the project will adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, inviting investors and development finance institutions such as the African Development Bank and World Bank to participate.
Tayali revealed that feasibility studies had been completed, stakeholder consultations ongoing, land secured, and preliminary designs are ready.
He said the Ministry was now focused on finalising partnerships to begin phased implementation.
“The Kapiri Mposhi Dry Port is a transformative project with the potential to reshape regional logistics and trade,” Tayali said.
He stated that: “The Government’s commitment is strong, and the time for strategic private sector investment is now.”
Tayali thanked the Chinese delegation for their interest and reaffirmed Zambia’s readiness to collaborate on this and other development initiatives.
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