Zambia has ratified the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor (WBNLDC) Tripartite Agreement, in a move expected to spur economic growth by improving trade and infrastructure.
The WBNLDC serves as a link from the port of Walvis Bay in Namibia to Ndola in Zambia’s Copperbelt and Lubumbashi in the mineral-rich Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
With its strategic location, the corridor presents an alternative trade route for Zambia and the DRC, offering seamless access to international markets while fostering regional integration.
According to Walvis Bay Corridor Group Manager for Marketing and Communications Maria Paulus, the WBNLDC aims to foster cross-border transit-transport cooperation, enhance transit transport systems for trade facilitation, and provide landlocked countries like Zambia and the DRC with access to the port of Walvis Bay through Namibia.
“In pursuit of these objectives, Namibia has made dry ports available to Botswana, DRC, Zambia and Zimbabwe at the port of Walvis Bay, ensuring mutual economic benefits for all,” she said.
Similarly, Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) Chief Executive Officer Mbahupu Tjivikua said as the host of the Secretariat, WBCG has played a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration between public and private stakeholders across member states, working towards resolving cross-border challenges affecting the corridor.
“WBCG extends its appreciation to the Zambian Government, Frank Tayali and the Zambian leadership for their dedicated efforts and seamless coordination in expediting the ratification process. This demonstrated political will and the support from Zambia in this regard is commendable, paving the way for the successful elimination of cross-border challenges among the three member states,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Museba Frank Tayali, hailed the ratification as a catalyst for economic growth across member countries.
He emphasised the agreement’s potential to improve infrastructure, encourage private sector participation, and stimulate cross-border trade and investment, ultimately advancing regional development goals.
Originally conceptualised in March 2010, the tripartite agreement was a collaborative effort among the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, and Zambia. The ratification by Zambia, following earlier endorsements by the DRC in 2015 and Namibia in 2021.
