Mozambique and Zambia Launch 24-Hour One-Stop Border Post to Transform Regional Trade

The governments of Mozambique and Zambia have taken a decisive step toward reshaping the landscape of regional commerce and connectivity with the signing of a landmark agreement to establish a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) at Cassacatiza (Mozambique) and Chanida (Zambia). This initiative, formalized in Lusaka on 23 October, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing drive to streamline cross-border movement, enhance trade facilitation, and foster deeper economic integration across Southern Africa.

The new OSBP is designed to operate 24 hours a day, a significant upgrade from the current limited operating hours, and is set to dramatically reduce the time and costs associated with border crossings for both goods and people. By consolidating customs, immigration, and other border procedures into a single coordinated process, the OSBP will eliminate duplication and bureaucratic delays that have long hampered efficient trade between the two nations. This move is widely seen as a game-changer for businesses and logistics operators who rely on the Cassacatiza–Chanida corridor as a vital artery for regional commerce.

For the African travel and logistics sector, the implications are profound. The Cassacatiza/Chanida crossing, already recognized as the primary and best-equipped border post between Mozambique and Zambia, will now become a model of efficiency and modernity. Enhanced road access and ongoing modernization projects are expected to further improve the experience for travelers and freight operators alike, positioning the corridor as a preferred route for both regional and international trade flows.

This development is not occurring in isolation. The OSBP at Cassacatiza–Chanida is part of a broader strategy by both governments to make key transport corridors—notably the Beira and Nacala Corridors—more efficient and competitive. These corridors serve as critical lifelines for landlocked Zambia, providing direct access to Mozambican ports on the Indian Ocean. By strengthening infrastructure and logistics services along these routes, the two countries aim to create shorter, safer, and more cost-effective pathways for exports and imports, thereby boosting the competitiveness of Zambian businesses and opening new opportunities for Mozambican ports to serve as regional logistics hubs.

The agreement, signed by Mozambique’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Jorge Matlombe, and Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, underscores the strategic importance of Mozambique as a regional logistics platform. It also reaffirms the commitment of both nations to deepen economic and commercial cooperation, not only for their mutual benefit but also as a catalyst for broader regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Industry observers and regional stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that the OSBP model has already proven successful in other parts of Africa, such as the Kazungula Bridge linking Zambia and Botswana. By harmonizing customs procedures and cutting clearance times, these border posts have delivered tangible benefits for transporters, investors, and local communities alike. The Cassacatiza–Chanida OSBP is expected to replicate and build upon these successes, setting a new benchmark for cross-border collaboration in the region.

For African travel professionals, the enhanced border infrastructure promises to unlock new possibilities for tourism, business travel, and trade-related mobility. The streamlined procedures will make it easier for tour operators to design multi-country itineraries, for logistics companies to optimize their supply chains, and for entrepreneurs to explore new markets with reduced administrative burdens. The anticipated increase in cross-border movement is also likely to spur demand for hospitality services, transport providers, and ancillary businesses along the corridor, creating a ripple effect of economic activity that extends well beyond the immediate border area.

Moreover, the commitment to coordinated development of the Beira and Nacala Corridors signals a forward-looking approach to regional integration. By investing in infrastructure upgrades, digitalization of customs processes, and improved logistics flows, Mozambique and Zambia are positioning themselves at the forefront of Africa’s push for more efficient and interconnected trade networks. This aligns with continental priorities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to break down barriers and foster seamless movement of goods, services, and people across national borders.

The OSBP initiative also reflects a growing recognition of the need for public-private partnerships in modernizing Africa’s border infrastructure. Both governments have indicated their openness to collaboration with private sector stakeholders, development partners, and regional organizations to ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of the project. This inclusive approach is expected to attract investment, drive innovation, and ensure that the benefits of improved connectivity are widely shared across the region.

Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the Cassacatiza–Chanida OSBP could serve as a blueprint for similar projects elsewhere in Africa. As more countries embrace the one-stop border concept, the continent stands to gain from reduced trade costs, faster transit times, and enhanced competitiveness on the global stage. For Mozambique and Zambia, the agreement represents not just a milestone in bilateral relations, but a bold step toward realizing the full potential of regional integration and economic transformation.

As the African travel and logistics sector continues to evolve, the Cassacatiza–Chanida OSBP stands out as a symbol of what can be achieved through visionary leadership, cross-border cooperation, and a shared commitment to progress. The coming years will reveal the full impact of this initiative, but one thing is clear: the future of African trade and mobility is being shaped today at the borders where nations meet and collaborate for mutual prosperity.