Zambia's Vision for Land - Linked Future Wins Praise
Embassy News
September 16, 2025
ZAMBIA stood out on a Global Transport Connectivity Forum 2025, which took place from 27 to 29 June in Istanbul, Türkiye, with the Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali delivering an influential message on Africa’s growing role in global trade and connectivity.Held under the theme “Seamless Connectivity, Limitless Possibilities,” the high-level event was officially opened by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to leading global efforts in transforming transport and logistics.The forum attracted world leaders, cabinet ministers, industry chiefs, and multilateral agencies, all focused on shaping a more connected and efficient future across land, air, and sea.In one of the forum’s most impactful sessions, “Skyways of Global Trade: Rethinking Air Corridors for a Connected World,” Mr. Tayali shared the stage with senior figures in international aviation, including Chair of Pegasus Airlines and IATA Board Member, and Nicolas Rallo, ICAO Regional Director for Europe and the North Atlantic Mehmet Tevfik Nane.Mr. Tayali seized the moment to deliver a bold message that Africa is not just participating in the global conversation, but ready to lead. He challenged outdated views that treat the continent’s rising population as a liability. “Africa has 1.4 billion people today, projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050. While some view this as a burden, we see it as an opportunity,” he said. He stressed that with nearly half the continent’s population under the age of 25, Africa holds a strategic advantage, a young, energetic workforce ready to build, innovate, and connect the continent and the world.But to unlock this potential, he noted, Africa needs investment, particularly in transport infrastructure, where the continent faces a financing gap of over US$150 billion.And Mr. Tayali proudly outlined Zambia’s bold national strategy under President Hakainde Hichilema’s New Dawn administration, which seeks to reposition the country from landlocked to land linked.
“Zambia lies at the crossroads of six major regional corridors. With projects like the Lobito Corridor, we are opening efficient trade routes to the Atlantic, and through that, to Europe and the Americas,” he said.
He described Zambia’s central location as an asset that can drive regional integration and intercontinental trade, positioning Lusaka as a key logistics hub for southern and central Africa. Mr. Tayali also advocated for stronger regional cooperation, calling on fellow African states to support the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and pursue visa liberalisation, bilateral air agreements, and regulatory alignment. These steps, he said, are vital for making air travel more affordable, accessible, and efficient across the continent.
“If we are serious about integration, we must make it easier and cheaper to fly within Africa,” he said, urging commitment to breaking down artificial barriers to mobility. He added that Zambia is not just building roads and runways, it is also going digital and outlined the country’s progress in digitising aviation and logistics systems.
Zambia is advancing its aviation and logistics sectors through a strong digital transformation agenda aimed at improving efficiency, security, and transparency. At the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the government has introduced biometric security screening and automated baggage handling systems to enhance passenger processing and streamline airport operations.
In addition, the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority has rolled out online platforms for licensing and regulatory compliance, making it easier for industry players to meet requirements and access services. To boost trade and logistics performance, the country has also implemented digital freight tracking and customs clearance tools, which are helping to minimize border delays and increase transparency across the supply chain. These innovations are part of a broader strategy to position Zambia as a modern, regional transport hub.
These innovations, he said, form part of Zambia’s vision to build “resilient, future-proof air corridors” and a logistics ecosystem that is fast, secure, and smart.
Mr Tayali added that Zambia is also investing in digital payment systems, improving internet connectivity, and rolling out capacity-building programs to train young professionals in the aviation and tech sectors.
While highlighting Zambia’s progress in modernising its transport and logistics sectors, Mr Tayali also candidly acknowledged the significant challenges that remain.
He pointed to limited internet coverage in rural areas, high infrastructure development costs, outdated regulatory frameworks, and a shortage of skilled technical personnel as key barriers to achieving fully inclusive and sustainable connectivity.
Calling for a collective global effort, he emphasized that addressing these issues cannot rest on Africa alone. “We must close these gaps to realise sustainable inclusive connectivity,” he stated. “This is not just Africa’s responsibility; it is a shared global mission.”
His remarks resonated strongly with fellow panellists. Mehmet Tevfik Nane of Pegasus Airlines called for the liberalization of airspace and greater collaboration between governments and the private sector. ICAO’s Nicolas Rallo stressed the need for regional coordination, inclusive financing models, and standardised safety frameworks.
They all agreed: the future of global connectivity must be inclusive, sustainable, and tech-driven, with Africa at the heart of the conversation.
“Africa’s time is now. Let us build infrastructure that connects not only goods, but people, cultures, and ideas,” Mr. Tayali said. His message drew wide applause and positioned Zambia not just as a participant, but as a regional leader with a clear vision for connectivity and innovation.
Mr. Tayali’s advocacy at the Global Transport Connectivity Forum 2025 has firmly placed Zambia and Africa at the forefront of the global transport and trade dialogue.
By championing a vision that transforms Zambia from a landlocked nation into a vital land-linked hub, he highlighted the country’s strategic potential to drive regional integration and open new trade routes.
His call for greater investment in infrastructure, digital innovation, and regional cooperation reflects a pragmatic and inspiring roadmap for Africa’s future in global connectivity.
As the world looks ahead, Zambia’s leadership and commitment under Zambia government’s guidance signal a new era where Africa’s youthful energy and growing markets become central to shaping sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven transport networks. The message is bright: Africa’s time is now, and Zambia is ready to lead.
