Government says it is improving the country’s transport infrastructure to facilitate regional integration and enhance trade.
Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Charles Milupi, says this is being done through the construction and rehabilitation of the road networks, rail lines and aviation infrastructure through the Public – Private Partnership (PPP) model of financing infrastructure development.
Mr. Milupi was speaking during a panel discussion at the ongoing Infrastructure Africa Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
He said projects like the African union’s trans-African highways are key in connecting the continent.
Mr. Milupi said improved infrastructure can increase trade flows and in turn promote economic growth.
He said Infrastructure Africa will connect industry stakeholders, foster dialogue, provide leading-edge information, promote investment and expansion, as well as facilitate business development around Africa’s growth and infrastructure needs.
Mr. Milupi also said Government wants to actualize Zambia’s geo-political location of being a land-linked country to enhance regional integration by developing alternative corridors to the sea and international markets.
And in a keynote address and official opening of the Infrastructure Africa conference, South Africa’s Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, called on Africa to work together.
This is contained in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today by First Secretary Press and Public Relations, at the Zambian High Commission in South Africa, Tamara Nyirenda.
By Eva Hatontola
