Since its commissioning in May 2021, the Kazungula Bridge has seen a dramatic rise in commercial traffic, with daily truck crossings more than doubling from an average of 214 in its first year to 491 by December 2025.
These figures were revealed by Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, during the official launch of the Kazungula Bridge Authority this week. Milupi noted that the surge underscores the success of regional economic integration through strategic infrastructure, positioning Kazungula as the preferred crossing point on the North-South Corridor (NSC).
“With the Kazungula Bridge Authority now in place, we aim to further enhance operational efficiency. Our goal is to transition from a One-Stop Border Post to a Non-Stop Border Post by leveraging advanced technology,” Milupi stated, adding that increased efficiency will drive even higher trade volumes and revenue for both Botswana and Zambia.
Beyond logistics, the governments of both nations have directed the Authority to transform the surrounding area into a world-class tourism hub. Milupi highlighted the bridge’s unique location at the world’s only quadripoint, where the borders of four nations meet.
“This phenomenon, combined with the iconic bridge itself, is a massive catalyst for tourism. We intend to realise the full potential of this location,” he said.
Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah Salakae, emphasised the bridge’s role as a vital artery for the SADC region, benefiting nations including the DRC, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Salakae noted that the NSC accounts for roughly 84% of regional freight traffic, much of it originating from the Port of Durban and South Africa’s Gauteng Province.
“The Kazungula Bridge serves as a catalyst for economic transformation,” Salakae said. “It has streamlined cross-border procedures, reduced clearance times, and lowered costs, significantly enhancing the competitiveness of regional trade.”
