By Derrick Silimina

The government says the upcoming launch of the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) between Zambia and Mozambique presents a significant opportunity to showcase regional cooperation and infrastructure development.

In a statement, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati, and Mozambique’s Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation Américo Muchanga, will on 21 February 2026 officially launch the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP).

“The launch marks a significant milestone in regional integration, trade facilitation, and infrastructure modernisation to unlock Zambia’s economic potential through trade-led growth and enhanced regional cooperation,” Mutati said.

He noted that the OSBP integrates customs, immigration, and border control procedures of both countries into a single, harmonised system adding that this streamlined approach will reduce border clearance times, lower the cost of doing business, and improve the efficiency of cross-border trade for transporters and traders.

Strategically located, the Chanida–Cassacatiza border links Zambia to Mozambique’s Beira and Nacala Ports, providing a vital corridor for regional and international trade.

“The operationalisation of the OSBP is expected to accelerate the movement of goods, strengthen regional value chains, and enhance the competitiveness of Zambian exports,” Mutati stated.

He emphasised that the project is also set to stimulate economic activity and job creation, particularly in Eastern Province and surrounding communities, by supporting growth in logistics, transport, agriculture, and related services.

The Minister further outlined that the Chanida–Cassacatiza OSBP is expected to reduce trade and transport costs, improve revenue collection through efficient border management, enhance foreign exchange earnings through improved export routes, promote local economic development; and strengthen investor confidence in Zambia’s reform and integration agenda.

“The launch of the OSBP signals Zambia’s continued progress towards becoming a regional trade and logistics hub, in line with Vision 2030 and the country’s aspiration to attain middle-income status.”