Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent state visit to Mozambique has been a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing economic activities between Zambia and Mozambique. During his three-day visit, President Hichilema toured the Port of Beira, which he described as Zambia’s shortest route to the eastern coast.
“We wanted to experience what it offers to our country and the region especially at this time we are optimising on the benefits of being land-linked. We were very impressed by the state-of-the-art equipment and excellent services, and we have no doubt that the Port of Beira offers the best alternative and a cost-effective route for our imports and exports,” President Hichilema said.
President Hichilema’s visit to the Port of Beira highlights the importance of infrastructure development in the transportation sector, particularly in improving connectivity between Zambia and Mozambique. To achieve this, the President emphasised the need to rehabilitate the road infrastructure between Beira and Chanida/Casacatiza to meet the increasing cargo conveyance between the two countries.
“Under the regional initiative of the AfDB led financial framework, Zambia and Mozambique should work together to extend the Railway connection between the Port of Beira and Zambia via Lion’s Den in Zimbabwe. We will also explore the possibility of constructing a gas and oil pipeline along the same route,” President Hichilema added.
The President’s proposals for infrastructure development in the transportation sector have the potential to create new opportunities for investment and job creation in the region. As he noted, “The railway and pipeline projects will not only increase transportation efficiency but will also create new opportunities for investment and job creation in the region. This will enable the region to realise its full potential in trade and investment.”
In addition to improving transportation infrastructure, President Hichilema also proposed the establishment of Dry Port facilities in Beira and Nacala to facilitate the movement of cargo destined for Zambia from Mozambique. This initiative is expected to reduce logistical challenges faced by traders and ultimately lead to increased trade between the two countries.
President Hichilema’s visit to Mozambique underscores the need for African countries to work together towards achieving regional integration, enhancing trade and investment, and promoting economic development. As he noted, “Africa needs to start trading more with itself. We have a lot to offer each other, and we should work together to build a more prosperous and equitable future for all our citizens.”
Hichilema’s visit to Mozambique marks an important milestone in Zambia’s efforts to deepen its relationship with Mozambique and boost economic cooperation between the two countries. By focusing on infrastructure development, particularly in the transportation sector, President Hichilema has demonstrated his commitment to promoting regional integration and building a more prosperous future for Zambia and Mozambique.
During his visit, President Hichilema also met with his Mozambican counterpart, President Filipe Nyusi, to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest, including strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries, and exploring new areas of cooperation.
The two leaders agreed on the need to intensify efforts towards implementing the Zambia-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) which provides a framework for cooperation in various sectors including agriculture, trade, energy, tourism, and defence.
The visit also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Mozambique’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, aimed at promoting agribusiness development and trade between the two countries.
The MoU seeks to promote the exchange of technical expertise, knowledge, and skills in the agribusiness sector, as well as facilitate the transfer of technology and innovation between the two countries.