$8m Nakonde Border Deal Signed

By Ruth Chayinda

Government has signed a partner support agreement worth 8.2 Million United States dollars grant with Trade Mark Africa for the upgrading of the Nakonde border post.

Trade mark Africa is funded by the United Kingdom.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement and the project Charter, Trade Mark Africa Chief Executive Officer, DAVID BEER said the deal marks the beginning of several transformative projects that have been lined up for Zambia.

Mr. BEER said this will include digital trade and transportation corridors and climate proofing trade.

And Finance and National Planning Minister SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE said the project will signal a move towards a smarter, more efficient trade mechanism that will catalyse growth, create jobs and reduce the cost of doing business.

Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said the project will help decongest traffic, enhance trade facilitation beyond Tanzania and Zambia and other countries.

He also disclosed that President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA will soon be meeting his Botswana counterpart to assess progress made to decongest Kazungula border post.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has announced that it will mobilise an additional two Million United States dollars for the necessary construction costs.

British High Commissioner to Zambia NICHOLAS WOOLLEY said this is aside the support already rendered to the preparatory works.

Mr. WOOLLEY said the project is a demonstration of his government’s support to Zambia and towards achieving regional economic integration and boosting trade.

AND World Bank Country Manager, ACHIM FOCK said the Nakonde One stop border post is part of the border transport corridors for economic resilience project.

Mr. FOCK said the bank is also carrying out some works on the project as the Nakonde One Stop border post is a strategic route for Zambia, to promote sustainable transport which is focused on strengthening regional connectivity and building sector institutions.

He said the bank will finance the development of key infrastructure, the supply of ICT equipment and training of staff at Nakonde.

This article originally appeared on ZNBC