Bridging the gap for trade between Botswana and Zambia

​Separated by the Zambezi River, the governments of Botswana and Zambia in conjunction with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the..

Separated by the Zambezi River, the governments of Botswana and Zambia in conjunction with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the European Union (EU) are funding construction of the Kazungula Bridge to connect the two countries by road and rail, replacing the existing ferry and border facilities.

SMEC’s Urban and Social Development team in Africa have completed a key assignment providing technical assistance to the Kazungula Bridge Project Office (KBPO), which includes project managers and officials from both Botswana and Zambia. Our specialists were commissioned to provide technical assistance for business management, in the areas of monitoring, evaluation and trade facilitation.

Working closely with project managers from both countries, our team were commended on their active and highly professional support. “Our persistence in supporting our client to ensure the project met a dynamic market has paid off,” said Mrityunjay Jha, SMEC Functional Manager Social Development.

The scope of work included reviewing the existing monitoring system and baseline surveys, conducting and evaluating new monitoring surveys, reviewing and managing deliverables from other consultants, and coordinating stakeholders including the technical working group for trade facilitation. To support and strengthen the capacity of the KBPO, we conducted workshops and training for KBPO employees, and established procedures for ongoing training of border management and trade facilitation teams.

Once completed, the Kazungula Bridge will provide vital transport infrastructure to facilitate trade access within the region and to international markets, through connectivity with major seaports.