Bridge, road and border works continue on the Zambia–DRC corridor expected to open a new cross-border gateway by 2027.
Construction of the Kasomeno–Mwenda Corridor is continuing to gather momentum, with progress reported across the project’s bridge, road and border infrastructure as the Zambia–Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) connection moves closer to its targeted completion in 2027.
The cross-border development will link Mwenda in Zambia’s Luapula Province with Kasomeno in Haut-Katanga Province through a new cable-stayed bridge across the Luapula River, supported by approximately 184 kilometres of road infrastructure and a modern One Stop Border Post.
Recent project updates indicate that foundation works for the bridge have been completed, while structural steel components have arrived on site for assembly. Construction is also progressing on sections of the approach roads, with work continuing on the One Stop Border Post and associated border infrastructure that will facilitate the movement of commercial traffic between the two countries.
Once operational, the corridor will become another strategic gateway connecting Zambia and the DRC, complementing existing crossings such as Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, Sakania and Kipushi. It is also expected to strengthen the eastern transport link between the Copperbelt–Katanga mining region and the Port of Dar es Salaam.
The One Stop Border Post will bring border agencies from both countries into a coordinated operating environment, with customs, immigration and inspection services expected to operate from a shared facility designed to streamline cross-border movements.
Although civil works remain the immediate focus, construction marks only one phase of the project’s development. As completion draws nearer, attention is expected to shift towards operational readiness, including border procedures, institutional coordination and the supporting services required to handle commercial freight efficiently from day one.
The corridor forms part of a wider wave of transport infrastructure investment across Southern and Central Africa as governments seek to improve regional connectivity and strengthen trade links between mining regions, manufacturing centres and international ports. Alongside projects such as the Lobito Corridor and continued investment in eastern trade routes, Kasomeno–Mwenda reflects the growing importance of transport infrastructure in supporting regional economic integration.
Current public project schedules continue to indicate phased completion during 2027, although final delivery will depend on construction progress and coordination between the various stakeholders involved in the cross-border development.
For now, the story is one of engineering progress. In the coming months, however, the conversation is likely to evolve beyond construction and towards the role the corridor could play within Central Africa’s rapidly changing logistics landscape.
Coming in Logistics Now Magazine – Inaugural Issue
Beyond the Bridge: The Strategic Significance of the Kasomeno–Mwenda Corridor
Our cover feature goes beyond the construction update to examine why this project is attracting attention across the transport and logistics sector, how it fits into Central Africa’s evolving network of trade corridors, and what business leaders should be watching as the project moves towards completion.
Because at Logistics Now, we don’t just report on infrastructure—we cover the business of keeping Africa moving forward.
