Kazungula bridge project key to opening up trade

By ANDREW MUKOMA A TEAM of South African investors under the brand name of Africa House has showed interest to invest in various sectors in Zambia once the Kazungula Bridge project is completed.

The team which was in the country last week to conduct investigations on various investment opportunities, visited the bridge project site and later held talks with Southern Province Permanent Secretary Sibanze Simuchoba and Livingstone Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry president Namakau Siyanga.

During the meeting, head of delegation who is also director, Market Access and Strategy Duncan Bonnett said that his team was in Zambia to look at areas and opportunities where Africa House can invest in.

Mr. Bonnett disclosed that after conducting business opportunity investigations, his team was convinced that the Kazungula Bridge project provided better opportunity for his team to invest in Zambia’s various sectors.

He said that the Kazungula Bridge was a critical infrastructure investment for Southern Africa because it provides a great opportunity for countries in the region to unlock the potential to facilitate bilateral trade.

“The bridge is a critical link in Southern Africa to conduct business and consolidate business opportunities. That is the opportunity we see as Africa House… that is why we are here to conduct investigations,” he said.

“Once the project is completed, the whole region will benefit. It gives an opportunity to open up industries that is what we see as Africa House,” Mr Bonnett said.

Meanwhile, Mr Simuchoba said that the province is known for agriculture but that it has potential for other sector investment such as manufacturing industries.

Mr. Simuchoba said that it was gratifying that some South African investors have already interest in investing in the province once the bridge is completed.

He said that in relation to Livingstone and Kazungula, the two districts need industries that can revive the lost glory, adding that it would be a great opportunity if Africa House invested in the two areas.

Mr Simuchoba said that Southern Province as a region requires industrialisation because the province only relies on agriculture and tourism.