Staff Writer
Botswana and Zambia have commissioned the Kazungula Bridge Authority to manage the Kazungula Bridge and its One-Stop Border Post.
The ceremony took place at the landing bay of the bridge. Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko welcomed Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. The two leaders reaffirmed bilateral ties and their commitment to regional integration.
After the event, both governments signed an addendum agreement in Kasane to formalise the establishment of the Authority. The body will oversee the sustainable management of the bridge and improve coordination at the border post.
The Kazungula Quadripoint lies where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet in the Zambezi River. The bridge has become a key link along the North-South Corridor.
President Boko said the border facility will soon move to a 24-hour, nonstop system. This will allow continuous movement of goods and people. He said the change will reduce congestion, lower transport costs and improve efficiency.
President Hichilema said the bridge represents African-led development. He said Africa has the resources and capacity for economic growth but must take ownership of its development agenda. He described the bridge as a regional asset that supports trade across Southern Africa and beyond.
Hichilema said truck traffic has increased to about 400 trucks per day and could reach 1 000 daily. He said higher volumes must bring real economic benefits, including better trade efficiency, lower costs and business growth for border communities.
He urged the private sector to use the opportunities created by the bridge. He called for a system where trucks moving north and south carry return loads to strengthen supply chains. He said governments will facilitate trade, but the private sector must drive growth.
The leaders said the authority will help maximise the bridge’s role in expanding trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area and within the Southern African Development Community.
