The Kasumbalesa border crossing is a critical transit point between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, strategically located in one of Africa’s most significant and frequently congested border areas. Specifically, this crossing lies in the Copperbelt region, where it connects the DRC with Chililabombwe in Zambia. It serves as a vital export gateway for essential minerals such as copper and cobalt, which are transported southward through Zambia to access various regional ports.

The importance of the Kasumbalesa crossing cannot be overstated, particularly for operators involved in the freight movement of Copperbelt minerals. Given the heavy traffic and logistics challenges associated with this crossing, a comprehensive understanding of the process is paramount for efficient operations. This guide offers in-depth insights into the expected waiting times, necessary documentation, common delays encountered, and practical tips for navigating this bustling corridor effectively.

Location and Corridor Served

Kasumbalesa is strategically positioned approximately 30 kilometers north of Chingola, an essential town in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. This border post is directly adjacent to the Katanga Province of the DRC, reinforcing its role as the main land port for the mining heartland of the DRC, which encompasses major mining centers such as Lubumbashi, Kolwezi, and the expansive Katanga copper belt.

As a pivotal junction on the North–South Corridor, Kasumbalesa facilitates the transit of freight from the DRC to various destinations, including:

– Zambia, with further access to southern routes leading to Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.

– Dar es Salaam via the TANZAM Highway, accessible through Tunduma.

– The Beira and Nacala ports in Mozambique through well-established corridor routes.

– Durban, which is a frequently utilized export route for DRC copper.

Waiting Times at Kasumbalesa

One of the most prominent features of the Kasumbalesa border crossing is its significant traffic congestion, which often ranks it among the most congested border posts in sub-Saharan Africa. Operators frequently encounter lengthy queues that can stretch several kilometers, creating substantial delays. The crossing often handles vast amounts of copper, cobalt, and general cargo, contributing to varying wait times as follows:

– Normal Period with Complete Documentation: Operators can typically expect a wait time ranging from 1 to 3 days under standard conditions with all necessary paperwork in order.

– Peak Export Season for Copper/Cobalt: During peak export periods, which are crucial for economic activity, wait times can extend to 3 to 7 days, significantly affecting freight schedules and delivery times.

– System Downtime (ASYCUDA/TTPMS): Technical issues, such as downtime in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) or the Traffic and Transit Processing Management System (TTPMS), can result in additional delays of 2 to 4 days.

– DRC Border Closure: Any unexpected closure of the DRC border can lead to indefinite delays, severely impacting logistical planning and operations.

– Incomplete Documentation: If operators fail to provide the required documentation, they can expect an additional hold-up ranging from 3 to 7 days, which can be avoided with thorough preparation.

Understanding the intricacies of the Kasumbalesa border crossing is essential for operators within the Copperbelt Corridor. With the right preparation and knowledge of the current conditions and requirements, the challenges posed by this critical crossing can be managed more effectively, ensuring smoother transit of precious minerals from the DRC to international markets.

While the Zambian side has seen significant improvements thanks to the Tribal Trust Property Management System (TTPMS) and the ZRA’s ASYCUDA platform, the DRC side tends to be slower and more unpredictable. Feedback from operators indicates that the ZRA (Zambia Revenue Authority) processes clearances relatively quickly, while the DGDA (Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises) on the DRC side often accounts for the most delays.

This guide serves as a resource for operators to better navigate the complexities of the Kasumbalesa border crossing, enhancing their overall efficiency in transporting goods across this critical corridor.

The Tribal Trust Property Management System (TTPMS) and the Zambia Revenue Authority’s ASYCUDA platform have significantly improved operations on the Zambian side of the Kasumbalesa border crossing. In contrast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) side continues to experience slower and less predictable processing times. Freight operators have reported that the ZRA clears shipments relatively quickly, while the DGDA (Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises) on the DRC side often causes delays.

Documentation Requirements at Kasumbalesa

Kasumbalesa is known for its extensive documentation demands for cross-border trucking into and out of the DRC. Key documents required include:

– Commercial invoice

– Packing list

– Bill of Lading

– DRC import/export declaration

– ZRA declaration

– Certificate of Origin

– COMESA transit documents

– OCC certificate

– Phytosanitary certificate

– Carbon tax payment

– COMESA Yellow Card insurance

– Driver passport

– DRC/Zambia visas

– Vehicle cross-border permit

Primary Causes of Delays

Delays at Kasumbalesa can be attributed to several key factors:

1. A backlog in DGDA processing due to slow customs procedures and capacity challenges.
2. Issues related to the OCC certificate, including instances of missing or incorrect information that can lead to cargo delays.
3. Congestion and infrastructure limitations resulting in bottlenecks, particularly during peak travel times.
4. Currency and payment issues, as customs charges must be paid in USD cash, with limited banking options available at the border.
5. Security and political instability, which can adversely impact operations.

Border Conditions 

The DRC faces unpredictable border closures, protests, and security incidents, which can entirely halt operations at Kasumbalesa.

Freight Flow

The primary direction of freight flow includes:

– Northbound (from Zambia to DRC): Consumer goods, food, mining equipment, fuel, building materials, and chemicals.

– Southbound (from DRC to Zambia): Copper cathodes, cobalt, strategic minerals (such as coltan and lithium), manganese, and zinc concentrates.

Practical Recommendations 

To navigate the challenges of crossing at Kasumbalesa, consider the following tips:

1. Engage an experienced DRC clearing agent for expedited processing.
2. Secure the OCC certificate prior to arrival at the border.
3. Carry cash (USD) for fees, as banking facilities are limited.
4. Monitor the border status daily for potential closures or incidents.
5. Allow a 5–7 day buffer for delivery commitments to accommodate common delays.
6. Utilize load boards to locate southbound copper export loads.

Comparison with Other Crossings

Kasumbalesa holds a unique significance for transporting DRC Copperbelt cargo, as there are no alternative crossings like Chirundu or Kazungula available for this region.

Official Resources

For further guidance, reference the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the C-BRTA Cross-Border Permits, COMESA, and the SADC Transport Framework for documentation and customs clearance. It is worth noting that Kasumbalesa facilitates high-value freight, predominantly copper and cobalt, and often experiences delays during peak periods. Pre-clearing through the ZRA’s ASYCUDA World platform can considerably reduce crossing times.

Mozambique has launched a large-scale upgrade of the Ressano Garcia border post, which will be financed with a commitment of 980 million meticais for upgrading the processing of passengers, freight transport, and road infrastructure in the strategic Maputo Corridor. The project, which kicked off on 17 August, will enhance the efficiency of one of the nation’s major trade corridors between Mozambique and South Africa and facilitate easier transport of goods to the Port of Maputo.

Located in Moamba District in Maputo Province, Ressano Garcia is the main border crossing linking South Africa’s road network with Mozambique’s Maputo Corridor. Its route has great importance in regional trade as it transports a high volume of commercial vehicles, minerals, and other goods to the markets in Mozambique and the rest of the region. However, with increased traffic volumes, there is stress on current infrastructure, leading to congestion and delays, especially on the EN4.

The modernization of the KM4 road-freight terminal is an important part of the project. The investment will cover the improvement of the heavy vehicle reception, sorting, parking, and movement facilities. Access roads will also be expanded for use by the freight terminal, including the two roads into and out of the border region, which will be widened to create a three-lane roadway for greater throughput and truck flow.

The project will also create a new exit road that will link the freight terminal directly to the N4. The extra connection is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve traffic flow. There are four express lanes dedicated to minerals traffic towards the Port of Maputo, providing a faster way of carrying high-volume minerals and also saving waiting times for heavy trucks.

The modernization is not only in the realm of freight. The investment in the construction and modernization of the Ressano Garcia tourist terminal will be about R120 million, which is equivalent to 450 million meticais, 360 said. The centre will be part of the process of simplifying the border crossings of travellers between Mozambique and South Africa.

At the upgraded tourist terminal, a one-stop model will be implemented in which the immigration formalities of both countries will be completed in one place. The national director of logistics and private sector development at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MTL) of Mozambique, Fernando Ouana, stated that the processing of travellers would be done in a building, one by one, by the officials of Mozambique and South Africa. The arrangement is aimed at eliminating separate entry and exit procedures of passengers at separate facilities on both sides of the border.

While the one-stop model is mainly centred on processing passengers, the larger programme for infrastructure also has a broader impact on freight and logistics. Enhancing the capacity of the border and the segregation of different traffic flows will help to ease congestion in commercial transport along the Maputo Corridor.

The project is significant to the logistics industry as it links South African producers and mining activities with the Port of Maputo. More efficient process of border crossing, more facilities for loading and unloading trucks, and the creation of mineral lanes may help to increase the reliability of freight transportation and contribute to the port’s development as an export hub for the region.

The Ressano Garcia modernization thus arrives at an opportune moment for the trade of the region. The cargo volume continues to expand, and better border infrastructure is crucial in ensuring the cargo continues to flow smoothly between South Africa, Mozambique, and international markets via the Maputo Corridor.

Zambia Airways (2014) Limited has appointed Aman Wole Gurmu as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a new leadership phase for the national airline as it seeks to strengthen its commercial position and expand regional connectivity.

Gurmu officially assumed the position on August 1, 2026, following his appointment by the airline’s Board. Zambia Airways announced the development on social media, saying the appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to strong and visionary leadership as the airline enters its next phase of growth.

The new CEO brings nearly 19 years of experience in the international aviation industry, with expertise spanning airline leadership, commercial strategy, sales, market development and strategic partnerships. His extensive experience is expected to support Zambia Airways as it works to improve its competitiveness and expand its presence across regional markets.

Gurmu spent more than 18 years at Ethiopian Airlines, where he held several commercial and sales leadership positions. Before joining Zambia Airways, he served as Director of Addis Ababa Sales, where he was responsible for leading the airline’s sales strategy in the Ethiopian capital.

In that role, Gurmu focused on revenue growth and increasing market share while managing the sales team and maintaining relationships with corporate customers, travel agencies and key institutions. He also worked closely with internal departments to ensure that sales activities were aligned with Ethiopian Airlines’ broader commercial objectives.

His experience in commercial planning, market development and revenue generation gives him a strong background for leading Zambia Airways at a time when the airline is seeking to strengthen its network and improve its market position.

Zambia Airways is based in Lusaka, with Kenneth Kaunda International Airport serving as its main hub. The airline was established in 2014 under a shareholder agreement between the Government of Zambia, through Industrial Development Corporation Limited (IDC), and Ethiopian Airlines Group. Under an agreement signed in August 2018, IDC holds a 55 percent stake, while Ethiopian Airlines Group owns the remaining 45 percent.

The airline serves both the business and tourism sectors, offering passenger and air cargo services. Its current fleet consists of two aircraft: a Boeing 737-800 and a Bombardier Dash 8-Q400.

Zambia Airways operates a regional network connecting Zambia with Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. Its destinations include Lusaka, Ndola, Solwezi and Livingstone in Zambia, as well as Harare, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.

Gurmu’s appointment comes as Zambia Airways places renewed emphasis on regional connectivity and commercial growth. The airline has stated its ambition to become a competitive regional carrier providing safe, market-driven and customer-focused passenger and cargo services.

Under his leadership, the airline is expected to focus on strengthening its commercial strategy, expanding connectivity and creating opportunities for trade, tourism and investment. His experience in sales, revenue growth and market development could also help Zambia Airways deepen existing markets while exploring new regional opportunities.

The appointment therefore represents more than a change in leadership. It signals Zambia Airways’ intention to build a stronger commercial foundation and position itself as an important player in regional aviation.