The Zambian Minister of Transport and Logistics, Honourable Museba Frank Tayali, MP, officially launched the 4th edition of the Land-Linked Zambia (LLZ) Conference, which is scheduled to take place on 10th and 11th April 2025 in Lusaka, Zambia. The launch was held on 21 August during the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, attracting key industry leaders and stakeholders.
Hosted by Africast, the LLZ Conference has grown into a premier platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, bringing together policymakers, investors, businesses, and development partners from across the continent and beyond. The 2025 edition will focus on the theme “Embracing SMART Transport Corridors in Africa,” highlighting the critical role of modern, connected transport networks in driving regional trade, economic growth, and sustainable development.
In his speech, Africast’s Founder and Managing Director, Mr. Chimwemwe Nyirenda, underscored Zambia’s strategic role as a land-linked nation facilitating trade and connectivity in the region. “Although land-linked and not landlocked, Zambia serves as a vital hub for trade with its neighbours. The growing demand for critical green minerals such as copper, cobalt, and manganese presents immense opportunities for collaboration among investors in mining, energy, technology, and logistics,” he said.
Honourable Museba Frank Tayali, Zambian Minister of Transport and Logistics. (Photo: Craig Dean)
Minister Tayali emphasised that the shift from a “landlocked” to a “land-linked” narrative marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s development. “We now embrace the strategic opportunities that come with being a central hub connecting nations, markets, and people. This shift reflects our unwavering commitment to transforming geographical challenges into powerful economic advantages,” he stated.
The 2025 LLZ Conference will attract a wide array of participants, including representatives from the mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and retail sectors, all seeking innovative transport and logistics solutions. It will also serve as a critical platform for advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost intra-African trade and investment.
Zambia’s commitment to SMART transport corridors, such as the North-South Corridor and the Lobito Corridor, will be at the heart of discussions during the conference. These corridors are crucial for facilitating the movement of goods and services, supporting industries, and enhancing regional integration.
The Land-Linked Zambia Conference is set to provide unparalleled opportunities for business and investment while playing a pivotal role in advancing Africa’s transport and logistics infrastructure.