Zambia partners with private sector on road upgrades

Zambia is working with the private sector to invest in the country’s road infrastructure in order to support economic growth which is forecast to grow between 7.5% and 8% annually over the next five years. The goal of the “Link Zambia 8000 Project” is to build 8 000 km of high-quality single and dual lane roads throughout the country over next five years, at a cost of over US$5 billion. Work has already started on Phase 1 of the project. Zambia raised a US$750- million Eurobond in September 2012 to finance infrastructure projects. Priority freight toll routes identified by the Roads Development Agency (RDA) include Solwezi to Kazungula (with a spur to Kasumbalesa); Kapiri Mposhi to Nakonde; and Lusaka to Mchinji via Chipata. “Developed and managed properly, this project could make Zambia a transportation hub for Southern Africa,” says the United States Department of State. It has urged US companies to become involved. “The RDA has invited world-class American road construction project management companies to take part in this growth opportunity. In addition to roads, the construction sector in Zambia offers opportunities in housing, urban planning and power generation and distribution. Other growth sectors in Zambia include mining, agriculture, energy, transportation and water management,” it says. Zambia depends on its road network to ship mine inputs and exports overseas through its eight neighbouring countries. The country’s neighbours are also heavy users of Zambian roads to provide a reliable and shorter path to African ports, says the State Department. INSERT 7.5-8% Estimated annual economic growth. CAPTION Convoys of trucks from the Copperbelt travelling through Zambia to neighbouring port gateways.