WB approves US$270m grant for Zambia, Tanzania trade connectivity

THE World Bank has approved new financing amounting to US$270 million grant to improve transport and trade connectivity between Zambia and Tanzania by implementing the six-year Transport Corridors for Economic Resilience (TRACER) project.

The project would rehabilitate the Serenje-Mpika section of the corridor, developing a one-stop border post at Nakonde, and converting the existing corridor into a safety, mobility, automated, real-time traffic management corridor.

The project would benefit 2, 500, 000 people in Zambia, approximately 13 percent of the population.

According to the World Bank, this included 500, 000 direct beneficiaries within Zambia, with an additional 2, 000, 000 individuals set to experience indirect advantages.

The project’s reach extended beyond borders, positively impacting communities in Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi.

Commenting on the project, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, Achim Fock, expressed confidence that the transport and logistics sector were expected to experience a boost from targeted activities aimed at institutional and sectoral capacity building.

“TRACER is a significant commitment to regional trade and transportation. By focusing on strategic improvements and climate resilience, we hope this will pave the way for a more robust and sustainable economic future for Zambia and its neighbours,” Mr Fock said.

World Bank Senior Transport Specialist, and Project Team Leader, Aymen Ahmed Osman Ali, also commented: “TRACER is not just about infrastructure; it’s about people.