Botswana and Zambia have formally launched the Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA) to manage the Kazungula Bridge and its One-Stop Border Post, a move leaders say will speed up trade across southern Africa.
Presidents Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia and Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana presided over the commissioning ceremony in Kasane on Tuesday.
The 923-metre road and rail bridge links the two countries across the Zambezi River and forms a crucial part of the North-South Corridor.
A Strategic Gateway for Regional Trade
President Hichilema described the bridge as a shared continental asset. He said it serves as a vital gateway linking markets from South Africa to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania.
The corridor plays a central role in moving goods across the region. Faster border processing reduces costs for businesses and shortens delivery times. That, in turn, strengthens supply chains.
Since opening in May 2021, traffic has steadily increased. Daily truck crossings rose from an average of 214 vehicles in 2021 to around 491 trucks per day by December 2025. Officials say the trend reflects growing regional trade volumes.
The newly established Kazungula Bridge Authority will oversee both the bridge and the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP). The OSBP system allows customs and immigration processes to take place jointly, rather than separately on each side of the border.
This approach reduces duplication and significantly cuts waiting times for cargo and passenger vehicles.
The authority is hosted on the Botswana side. However, Zambia will retain the position of Executive Director. Leaders say this structure reflects the project’s joint ownership and shared responsibility.
The bridge is also expected to strengthen trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Boko said the authority would cement bilateral ties and reinforce the responsibility of African nations to increase internal trade. He stressed that infrastructure must be re-engineered to ensure seamless movement of goods and people.
AfCFTA aims to reduce trade barriers and build a single African market. However, improved physical infrastructure remains essential for the agreement to deliver its full potential.
Beyond road transport, the Kazungula Bridge includes a single-line railway track. The line is designed to connect to the future Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone Railway.
Once completed, the rail link could significantly improve bulk cargo movement across the region. It would also ease pressure on road networks and lower logistics costs.
The launch of the Kazungula Bridge Authority marks a new phase in the management of one of southern Africa’s most important infrastructure projects.
While the bridge has already reshaped cross-border transport, leaders believe stronger institutional oversight will maximise its economic impact.
For Botswana and Zambia, the project represents more than a border crossing. It signals a commitment to deeper regional integration and practical steps toward boosting intra-African trade.
