In a significant boost to regional trade and logistics integration, Mozambique has officially agreed to allocate land in its northern Nacala Province for the development of a Zambian dry port.
The agreement was confirmed by Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, during the Global Transport Connectivity Forum held in Istanbul, Turkey.
The move is set to strengthen economic ties between the two Southern African nations while enhancing Zambia’s access to international markets through the deepwater Port of Nacala — one of Africa’s deepest natural harbours.
Tayali announced that Mozambique’s Transport and Communications Minister, João Matlombe, had formally affirmed the land allocation.
The designated land will be developed into a dry port facility that will be managed by Zambia’s state-owned logistics firm, Zamcargo, which already operates similar facilities in Namibia and Tanzania.
“This dry port project is a key strategic priority for Zambia. It will not only reduce our import-export costs but also improve cargo handling efficiency along the Nacala Corridor,” Tayali said.
Technical teams from both countries are expected to begin working on the operational details of the project in the coming weeks.
The development is part of a broader regional effort to improve cross-border transport infrastructure and logistics connectivity.
The proposed dry port will complement Zambia’s ongoing transport infrastructure developments, particularly the Chipata–Serenje–Mchinji railway link, which aims to create a seamless trade route from central Zambia to the Indian Ocean via Malawi and Mozambique.
Once operational, the dry port is expected to:
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Facilitate faster customs clearance and cargo handling for Zambian goods;
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Reduce reliance on congested southern routes such as Durban and Beira ports;
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Create jobs and economic activity within the Nacala Corridor region.
This latest development aligns with the African Union’s goals for enhancing intra-African trade and infrastructure under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Port of Nacala is considered one of the most efficient and deep natural ports on the East African coast.
It serves as a key logistics gateway for countries like Malawi, Zambia, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As the agreement moves toward implementation, industry analysts are optimistic that the dry port project will be a game-changer for Zambia’s trade competitiveness and regional integration.
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