By Alice Lubasi
The governments of Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo have announced plans to collaborate on the construction of a new railway line linking Chipata to Serenje. 
The four countries have also agreed to jointly rehabilitate the rail line running from Nacala in Mozambique to Mchinji in Malawi.
The developments form part of the Nacala Development Corridor, a regional initiative the four nations have been working on collectively.
They have further agreed to continue joint efforts to conclude negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding for the project, with the aim of signing it in March 2026.
Stakeholders from the four countries will jointly engage financial institutions and international cooperating partners to mobilise funding for the project.
The countries have also agreed to maintain close cooperation towards the successful implementation of the Nacala–Chipata–Serenje railway project, treating it as a priority and ensuring the involvement of all key stakeholders, beginning with government institutions.
Meanwhile, Transport and Logistics Minister FRANK TAYALI, who represented Zambia, has called on African governments to work together in improving transport infrastructure across the continent.
The Minister said this at the official closing of the 10th Tripartite Meeting of the Nacala Development Corridor Management Committee held in Maputo yesterday.
