Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have renewed their commitment to strengthen trade and transport links through the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor.
The tripartite high-level ministerial meeting, which took place in Swakopmund, aims to accelerate regional integration and unlock economic opportunities across the three countries.
More than a decade since the agreement was signed in Livingstone, Zambia, in 2010, leaders now state that the time has come to move from commitment to action.
Namibia's Minister of Works and Transport Veiko Nekundi told the delegates that the corridor remains critical for facilitating the safe and efficient movement of goods and people across borders.
He emphasised that improving trade routes and eliminating non-tariff barriers will unlock economic potential and strengthen regional cooperation.
Nekundi also announced that the long-awaited permanent secretariat for the corridor will become operational in April 2026 to improve coordination and performance monitoring along the trade route.
To ensure the institution's sustainability, Namibia will introduce a user levy of 90 cents per tonne on cross-border cargo – a measure expected to help finance corridor operations.
"These instruments are negotiated with the objective of achieving the seamless movement of goods and people across borders with the aim of boosting intra-African trade by eliminating tariffs and reducing non-tariff barriers, potentially lifting 50 million people out of poverty."
Delegations from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of infrastructure development, digitised border processes and stronger cooperation among member states.
Zambia's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Museba Tayali, whose message was delivered by Deputy High Commissioner Lloyd Himaambo, stressed that regular dialogue among the three countries is crucial to overcoming logistical bottlenecks and improving trade efficiency.
"I am confident that through open dialogue, mutual cooperation, and a shared sense of purpose, we can turn these challenges into opportunities, ensuring that the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor continues to be a catalyst for economic growth and regional integration for the three corridor member states. Equally important is to recognise and celebrate the milestones and progress achieved during this period."
Meanwhile, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Minister of Transport and Communications of the DRC, reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening the corridor.
"I wish to reaffirm that the Democratic Republic of the Congo attaches great importance to the implementation of the projects and programmes of the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor as well as the operationalisation of its Permanent Secretariat for efficiency and effectiveness."