Zambia and Botswana Unite to Manage Strategic Kazungula Bridge Crossing
- Zambia and Botswana have strengthened regional cooperation with the launch of the Kazungula Bridge Authority, a joint institution established to manage the strategic border crossing between the two countries.
The Authority was officially inaugurated on 24 February 2026 at Kazungula Landing Bay in Botswana’s Chobe District during a ceremony attended by Hakainde Hichilema and Duma Gideon Boko. The two governments also signed an addendum agreement in Kasane formalizing the governance structure that will oversee sustainable management of the bridge and operations at the One-Stop Border Post.
The new authority is expected to enhance coordination at the crossing, streamline border procedures, and improve transport efficiency, thereby strengthening cross-border trade between the two nations and the wider region. Leaders from both countries described the initiative as an important step toward maximizing trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area while supporting commerce within the Southern African Development Community.
Botswana also announced plans to introduce a 24-hour border system at the facility, a move expected to ease congestion, reduce transport costs, and improve freight movement along the North–South Corridor.
The bridge connects Botswana’s Chobe District with Zambia across the Zambezi River and has already become a key transit route for regional trade. Truck traffic, currently averaging around 400 vehicles per day, is projected to increase significantly as trade volumes grow.
Located near major tourism attractions such as Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls, the crossing also plays an important role in facilitating travel within one of Southern Africa’s most visited tourism corridors.
Source: TRAVEL UPDATE | 10/03/2026 | Photo via Twitter
