The logistics industry in Zambia is currently witnessing a significant shift towards multimodal transport solutions. With a strategic focus on upgrading transport corridors, Zambia is prioritising the links between Namibia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) via Zambia.According to Dornay Swartz, chief project manager at Africa Union Cargo Namibia (AucNam), the combination of road, rail and sea transport is becoming increasingly popular as businesses seek to reduce costs and improve delivery timelines.“This trend aligns with AUCNam’s strategy to enhance multimodal capabilities, offering more efficient and cost-effective logistics options,” she told Freight News.Swartz said in the DRC, the logistics landscape was being shaped by stringent regulatory requirements, particularly those related to FERI certification. “The emphasis on proper documentation and compliance is driving changes in how logistics companies operate, with a focus on ensuring that all cargo meets the necessary regulatory standards,” she explained. “This regulatory push is transforming the logistics sector in the DRC, emphasising the importance of adhering to compliance measures to facilitate smoother and more efficient transport operations.”AUCNam has been on a drive to expand its footprint in Zambia and the DRC. Swartz said operations in these regions had seen changes as part of ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and reliable logistics services in these countries.“In Zambia, we have significantly upgraded our logistics operations. We have invested heavily in improving our road and rail capabilities, which are critical for supporting Zambia’s role as a key logistics hub in southern Africa.”She said initiatives included the modernisation of the f leet and the establishment of more streamlined cross-border processes, ensuring that cargo moves faster and more efficiently across the region. “Zambia is an integral part of the supply chain of the movement of goods throughout southern and central Africa. The continued development of all transport models is a strong focus for the foreseeable future.”Asked about their operations in the DRC, Swartz said the introduction of the new OGEFREM Intervention Commission Tariff for FERI Certificates had introduced change. AUCNam, as an appointed OGEFREM agent, has integrated this new tariff into its service offerings, ensuring compliance with the DRC’s stringent regulations while maintaining competitive pricing. The certificate is mandatory for all DRC-bound cargo.
