Land connectivity is vital to Africa’s economic growth, as it facilitates trade, investment, and regional integration.
With abundant resources but significant infrastructure gaps, Africa’s road networks are essential for linking markets, reducing transportation costs, and enhancing the movement of goods and people.
Improving land connectivity has emerged as a key factor in the growth of road infrastructure, shaping the continent’s future economic development.
Chimwemwe Nyirenda, Co-Founder and CEO of Africast Zambia Limited, the organizers of the premier Land-Linked Zambia Conference, believes the event will drive growth in Africa’s transport and logistics sectors through a multi-sectoral approach. The conference aims to bring together key industries to promote the development of integrated transport solutions across the continent.
By collaborating with various sectors, the Land-Linked Zambia Conference will accelerate the creation of SMART Corridors in Africa, resulting in tangible growth in the transport and logistics industries. This growth will be achieved by aligning the efforts of major economic drivers as outlined below.
Transport & Infrastructure Development
Africa must prioritize investment in roads, railways, and border facilities to enhance connectivity and integrate multimodal transport networks. This can be achieved through the creation of SMART logistics hubs and dry ports to streamline cargo movement across the continent.
Trade & Industry
Strengthening regional trade agreements is essential for Africa to reduce barriers and boost manufacturing and value addition near transport corridors. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) along key trade routes can also drive this agenda forward.
Energy & Mining
Investment in energy infrastructure is crucial to support industries along trade corridors. Developing green logistics hubs powered by renewable energy will ensure efficient transportation of minerals and raw materials, promoting sustainable development in Africa’s energy and mining sectors.
Agriculture & Agribusiness
Efficient transport networks for agricultural produce are essential. Africa must develop SMART agro-processing hubs near major transport corridors and strengthen cold chain logistics for perishable goods to ensure smoother agricultural trade.
Finance & Investment
Mobilizing public-private partnerships (PPPs) is key to financing infrastructure projects. Expanding access to trade financing for businesses utilizing land transport will boost investment in logistics startups and encourage innovation in the sector.
Governance & Policy
Africa must harmonize transport regulations across regional trade blocks and enhance cooperation to eliminate non-tariff barriers. Implementing policies that support sustainable land transport development will promote economic integration and growth.
The development of land linkages in Africa is a powerful driver of economic transformation, but it requires collaboration across multiple sectors to build integrated, efficient, and sustainable transport networks.
By investing in infrastructure, aligning policies, and fostering cross-sector partnerships, Africa can continue to strengthen its role in global economic development. Improving transport and logistics connectivity is not just an infrastructure priority—it is a key catalyst for Africa’s economic prosperity.
