Zambia and Mozambique have signed a bilateral agreement to establish at One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) at the Chanida and Cassacatiza crossing points, marking a major step toward enhancing trade and easing cross-border movement.
The agreement was signed Thursday at State House in Lusaka during official talks between President Hakainde Hichilema and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo who is on a three-day working visit to Zambia and will serve as guest of honour at the country’s 61st Independence Day celebrations on Friday.
Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe and Mozambique’s Transport and Logistics Minister Joao Matlombe signed the memorandum of understanding, with both presidents witnessing the ceremony.
Hichilema hailed the OSBP initiative as a strategic move to eliminate trade bottlenecks and promote economic growth across borders.
“Our two nations must move from political help to trade-based cooperation that creates opportunities for our people,” the Zambian leader said.
Chanida is the crossing point on the Zambian side of the border, while Cassacatiza is the entry point on the Mozambican side.
Chapo emphasized that the new border facilities would streamline customs and immigration procedures, reduce transit times and lower the cost of doing business.
The two leaders reviewed existing bilateral agreements and explored new areas of cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, energy and security.
Both described the OSBP agreement as a milestone in bilateral relations and a reflection of their shared commitment to peace, stability, and inclusive development.
“Our founding fathers, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and Dr. Samora Machel, laid the foundation for our friendship. Today, we stand as partners in development, bound by history and driven by the future,” President Hichilema said.
He also proposed the development of a gas pipeline to transport Mozambique’s natural gas to Zambia, highlighting energy as a key area for future collaboration.
JN/APA