• Adequate infrastructure is needed for the integration of the Zambian economy with other economies.
• Government is committed to the development of modern and robust infrastructure.
• US$259 million Kazungula Bridge linking Zambia and Botswana will ease transportation between the two countries.

Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) says a well-functioning transport sector has the potential to reduce the cost of doing business in the country as well as increase efficiency in the movement of goods and people.
Organization Executive Director Bernadette Zulu tells Money FM News that the upgrading of Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and construction of the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola can serve to boost Zambia’s tourism industry.
Mrs. Zulu also states that the USD259 million Kazungula Bridge linking Zambia and Botswana will ease transportation between the two countries and pave way for further integration and development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“Infrastructure is key in fostering economic growth and alleviating poverty in any country. Adequate infrastructure in the form of road and railway transport system, aviation and power and their efficient working is also needed for the integration of the Zambian economy with other economies globally.”
“The upgrading of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport into an ultra-modern facility and construction of the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola, as of 2020, these airports were above 90% and 76% completion respectively. The development of these airports will enable the country to handle higher volumes of traffic, both in terms of passengers and cargo,” Mrs. Zulu said.
Mrs. Zulu urged government to continue with the infrastructure development path as it is cardinal for both economic development and the uplifting of livelihoods.
“One of the fundamental principles required to achieve sustainable development is infrastructure. The Government is committed to the development of modern and robust infrastructure as clearly demonstrated by the various developments that have come up in the transport, agriculture, health and education sectors.”
Meanwhile, Mrs. Zulu observed that the agricultural sector is one of the largest contributors to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as it plays a key role in employment generation as well as poverty reduction.
“Therefore, investments in agricultural infrastructure have been made with a view of the creation of a conducive business environment and ultimately a more vibrant sector. Key among such infrastructure will be the development of warehousing, storage, breeding centres and irrigation, among others. Two highlights worth noting,” she stated.