On Friday, 16 May 2025 – The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Museba Frank Tayali MP, held a productive engagement with a visiting delegation from the People’s Republic of China, centred on strategic infrastructure collaboration, particularly the development of the Kapiri Mposhi Dry Port.
Speaking during the meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lusaka with the Governor of China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Erkin Tuniyaz, Hon. Tayali expressed gratitude to the Chinese delegation for their continued interest in Zambia’s economic development, especially within the transport and logistics sector.
“We welcome your visit and your commitment to contributing to Zambia’s economic transformation,” Hon. Tayali said. “While your current interest lies in the Kapiri Mposhi Dry Port, we encourage broader investment across all sectors of our economy."
Strategically located at the intersection of the TAZARA Railway and the Zambia Railways line, Kapiri Mposhi serves as a critical node within the Central Corridor—a key trade route connecting Zambia to the port of Dar es Salaam and the broader SADC region.
The Kapiri Mposhi Dry Port Project aims to:
- Improve trade efficiency by reducing port congestion and streamlining inland logistics;
- Enhance regional integration, benefiting Zambia and neighbouring countries, including the DRC, Malawi, and Zimbabwe;
- Stimulate economic development in Kapiri Mposhi and surrounding communities;
- Create employment and foster local business participation.
The proposed infrastructure will include container handling facilities, bonded warehouses, customs inspection zones, improved road and rail links, and modern ICT systems for cargo tracking. The Government is adopting a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the project and welcomes participation from international investors and development finance institutions such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank.
Hon. Tayali disclosed that feasibility studies have been completed, consultations with stakeholders are underway, land has been secured, and preliminary designs are ready. The Ministry is now focused on finalising partnerships to commence phased implementation.
“The Kapiri Mposhi Dry Port is a transformative project with the potential to reshape regional logistics and trade,” Hon. Tayali emphasised. “The Government’s commitment is strong, and the time for strategic private sector investment is now.”
The Minister concluded by thanking the Chinese delegation for their interest and reaffirmed Zambia’s readiness to collaborate on this and other national development initiatives.
