President Duma Boko has revealed that Botswana and Zambia are moving rapidly to transform the Kazungula One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) into a “non-stop” facility, announcing that it will soon operate 24 hours a day.
Speaking at the launch of the Kazungula Bridge Authority in Kazungula this week, President Boko outlined the vision for the crossing.
“We are moving rapidly in the direction of a non-stop border post; that is where we are heading. It will require the deployment of appropriate technologies, and I am aware that the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) is well advanced in introducing technology to enable this transition,” he said.
Boko noted that the BSE presented concepts for the non-stop system alongside a technological partner. He has since directed the institution to begin implementing the idea.
The decision to shift to 24-hour operations followed discussions between President Boko and Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, held recently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to Boko, the ultimate goal is to eliminate truck queues and ensure goods move efficiently, reflecting the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. He added that the inauguration of the Kazungula Bridge Authority cements the long-standing, vibrant bilateral relations between the two nations.
“May the establishment of the Kazungula Bridge Authority and the operations of the bridge pave the way for a stronger, more dynamic, and resilient partnership—one that serves as a template and a model worthy of emulation by others on the African continent,” Boko stated.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema echoed these sentiments, noting that the bridge is a vital asset for the entire region.
“Whatever we do with the bridge, we must contextualise that this asset is not only ours but belongs to many. We need to be broad in how the Authority manages the bridge to ensure it draws maximum value,” Hichilema said.
He noted that the Kazungula OSBP is the preferred route for northern countries, and he expects the Authority’s management to pursue a program of continuous improvement. The ambition is to reach a capacity of 1,000 trucks per day. Hichilema added that increased traffic would boost local economies in Kasane and Kazungula through increased auxiliary spending.
The two governments signed an addendum agreement formalising the Authority prior to the launch. The Kazungula Bridge Authority will be hosted in Botswana, while Zambia will hold the position of Executive Director.
