Victoria Falls, a border crossing long celebrated for its tourism appeal, is set to play a larger role in regional trade after Zimbabwe announced that the crossing will now operate 24 hours a day.
The development was made public in an Extraordinary Government Gazette on 13 November 2023 and confirmed by Zimbabwe’s Secretary of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Raphael Faranisi. The move allows trucks, goods, and commuters to cross the border at any time, removing the previous bottlenecks caused by limited operating hours.
Transport operators and freight companies have welcomed the change, which is expected to significantly improve supply chain efficiency. Previously, trucks arriving after the border’s closing time were forced to wait until the following day, lengthening transit times and increasing operating costs.
“With continuous access now in place, truck movements can be spread throughout the day, reducing waiting times, improving reliability, and lowering transportation expenses,” said industry sources.
The extended hours are anticipated to benefit exporters, importers, and other logistics providers operating in Southern Africa, particularly within the SADC region, according to Zambia Transport & Logistics. Small-scale traders and informal cross-border businesses are also expected to gain from the predictable, round-the-clock access, allowing them to plan deliveries more efficiently, streamline operations, and explore new commercial opportunities.
Authorities expect the continuous operations to ease congestion during peak periods, as long queues previously formed before the morning opening, affecting both commercial and private traffic. By spreading border processing across 24 hours, officials anticipate smoother flows, shorter waiting times, and more predictable scheduling for freight operators.
The change is also expected to support improved transport planning across multiple sectors. Bus services, regional airlines, and shuttle operators can now adjust timetables more effectively, while trucking companies can select optimal delivery windows to meet customer requirements.
Overall, the shift to 24-hour operations at Victoria Falls is seen as a major step in strengthening trade competitiveness, reducing transit delays, and encouraging investment along this key trade corridor between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
