Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah S.L.M. Salakae, recently visited the Kazungula Bridge and the One Stop Border Post as part of a familiarization tour of the Kazungula Bridge Project Office (KBPO). The visit, which took place on Friday, was an opportunity for the minister to gain firsthand insight into the progress and significance of the project. Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Transport and key stakeholders, Salakae toured the facilities, underscoring the importance of the Kazungula Bridge as a symbol of the strong, longstanding partnership between Botswana and Zambia, two neighboring countries with decades of cooperation.
The Kazungula Bridge is an iconic infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity between Botswana and Zambia. It is part of a broader initiative to enhance regional trade, transport, and security, with significant implications for both nations and the wider Southern African region. The Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA), established by Botswana and Zambia, plays a central role in overseeing the management and operations of the bridge and the border post. The authority was founded in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two countries in July 2008, signaling a collaborative effort to develop and manage this critical infrastructure.
During his visit, Minister Salakae took the opportunity to learn more about the work done by the two governments in establishing the Kazungula Bridge Authority, which is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the bridge and the One Stop Border Post. This collaborative framework reflects the shared commitment of both countries to fostering closer economic and political ties. The Kazungula Bridge project is expected to significantly ease the flow of goods and people between Zambia and Botswana, contributing to economic growth in both nations and enhancing regional integration.
In his brief address at the site, Minister Salakae praised the work that had been accomplished so far and highlighted the importance of the bridge in strengthening Botswana’s transport and infrastructure capabilities. He emphasized that the new Botswana government is committed to delivering large-scale infrastructure projects that will benefit the people of Botswana, known as Batswana. The Minister also noted that the successful completion of the Kazungula Bridge project would serve as a milestone in the country’s development, marking a key achievement in the government’s infrastructure agenda.
The Kazungula Bridge will now play a major role in the development of the economies of both countries through more efficient and direct access for trade, tourism, and transportation across their common border. Minister Salakae said officials from Zambia and Botswana should meet soon to conclude any outstanding deliverables related to the bilateral agreement on the bridge. Continued cooperation between the two countries reflects the mutual appreciation of both countries for the bridge as a way of promoting regional trade, strengthening economic integration, and cementing deeper bonds between their people.
The bridge itself is a key part of a broader regional development strategy, with the potential to transform trade routes and supply chains across Southern Africa. Botswana will serve as the host country for the Kazungula Bridge Authority, with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the authority being appointed from Zambia. This arrangement reflects the cooperative nature of the project and the mutual respect between the two nations in managing and overseeing the bridge’s operations.
The Kazungula Bridge represents more than just an infrastructural achievement; it is a testament to the strength of Botswana and Zambia’s bilateral relationship, offering significant benefits for both countries and the region as a whole. With continued collaboration and focus, the bridge is set to become a cornerstone of regional development, enhancing connectivity and promoting shared prosperity for years to come.
