19th March. 2026.
The Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, has today commissioned the first phase of the Nakonde One Stop Border Post (OSBP) Improvement and Upgrading Project in Nakonde District.
The project, funded by the United Kingdom through TradeMark Africa at a cost of $10 million and executed by China Rail Construction and Engineering Group, marks a major step in improving Zambia’s trade systems.
A key feature of the upgrade is the installation of a modern, high-capacity cargo scanner capable of processing over 100 trucks per hour. This has reduced clearance times from 5–8 minutes to just 5–10 seconds per truck, helping to ease congestion, increase efficiency, and boost revenue collection.
The first phase also includes inspection sheds, a verification bay, a new truck parking yard, and a fully equipped warehouse with cold, chiller, and dry storage facilities.
These improvements will help centralise operations and improve the handling of goods at the border.
With Phase Two set to be funded by the World Bank, the project strengthens Nakonde’s position as a key trade gateway along the Dar es Salaam Corridor.
This development is more than just infrastructure; it is a practical investment in faster trade, economic growth, and Zambia’s competitiveness in regional markets.
Pictorial highlights of the event below.
