In a move hailed as a major step forward in strengthening bilateral trade and transport cooperation, Mozambique has officially agreed to allocate land to Zambia for the development of a dry port in Nacala province. Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, announced the development recently following discussions with his Mozambican counterpart, João Matlombe, during the Global Transport Connectivity Forum 2025 in Turkey.
According to Tayali, the two countries will now fast-track the formalisation of the project through joint technical teams. He described the agreement as “a milestone in bilateral cooperation” that will significantly reduce Zambia’s transport and logistics costs by improving access to key trade corridors.
The dry port will be operated by Zambia’s state-owned logistics firm, Zamcargo, which already manages similar facilities in Namibia and Tanzania. It is expected to play a critical role in enhancing Zambia’s connectivity to international markets by tapping into the strategic advantages of the Port of Nacala, one of Africa’s deepest natural harbours and a vital link in the Nacala Corridor.
The project aligns with Zambia’s broader infrastructure goals including the ongoing Chipata-Serenje rail development, which is set to connect with the Chipata-Mchinji line in Malawi. Once complete, this rail extension will create a seamless route from Zambia to the Indian Ocean, strengthening trade flows and boosting regional integration.
