By 
Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to the United Nations Group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), highlighting the country’s efforts to transform its landlocked status into a strategic economic advantage.
Tayali is representing Zambia at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), which opened on August 4 and runs until August 8, 2025, in Awaza, Turkmenistan.
Addressing a high-level dialogue on “Building Sustainable Infrastructure, Strengthening Connectivity, and Promoting Unfettered Transit Systems for LLDCs,” Tayali urged global stakeholders to work collectively in promoting inclusive development and ensuring seamless movement of goods and services.
“We must all hold hands in this journey, so that together we can attain development, secure adequate resources, and ensure efficient connectivity for all,” Tayali said.
Read more: Ndola Expo: Transport minister, Tayali, reiterates govt backing for SMEs as engines of growth
In a statement issued after his address, the Minister expressed gratitude to the United Nations and cooperating partners for their support during the implementation of the Almaty and Vienna Programmes of Action.
However, he acknowledged that Zambia had not fully achieved the goals set under those frameworks.
Looking ahead, Tayali expressed optimism about the newly launched Awaza Programme of Action, stating that its five priority areas were well-articulated and aligned with Zambia’s development objectives.
“Zambia is committed to mainstreaming the Awaza Programme of Action into our National Development Plans,” he said.
Tayali noted that Zambia viewed its landlocked status not as a limitation, but as a strategic opportunity to become a regional transport and logistics hub.
“Our aspiration is to build resilience and better integration into the global economy,” he said.
The Minister also lauded Zambia’s coastal neighbours — Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and South Africa — for their continued cooperation, including the provision of land for dry ports and logistics centres at their seaports.
“These partnerships have significantly improved Zambia’s access to global markets and stand as a model for effective regional cooperation,” Tayali said.
He added that Zambia’s development strategy hinges on leveraging its geographic position through regional integration, infrastructure investment, and open transit systems.
Tayali cited Zambia’s active promotion of key multi-modal transport corridors, including the North-South Corridor, the Dar es Salaam Corridor via Tanzania, the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor (WBNLDC) through Namibia, and both the Beira and Nacala Corridors through Mozambique.
He also highlighted the Lobito Corridor, a trilateral initiative with Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, currently under active development.
“These corridors are not just routes; they are platforms for economic transformation and regional integration,” Tayali emphasized.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR
Comments