Zambia @2023: A Transport & Logistics Event CONCLUSION

The closing reception or cocktail was held for the delegates at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka at 6 p.m. and this was graced by the Mr Stephen Mbewe, Director Planning and Monitoring in the MTL. He reiterated the key messages arising from proceedings of the three (3)-day conference and exhibition and thanked all the delegates for participating in the second edition of the LLZ Conference and Exhibition. As already outlined, the

2023 LLZ Conference and Exhibition was held with the main objective and key focus of reconnecting borders and converting challenges into opportunities for sustainable transportation and tourism and travel across the continent. The conference and exhibition attracted participants from various African countries as well as Australia and the UK. The importance of transport and logistics as an enabler and facilitator cannot be understated as the

AfCFTA takes centre stage for continental economic integration.

Going forward, organisers of the successive LLZ Conferences and Expos or Exhibitions should ensure that other aspects of the transport and logistics sector are considered for discussion or presentation. The presentations and panel discussions could also be based on experiences from other African countries from which Zambia could draw lessons. This could ensure adoption of best practice by Zambian authorities and private sector operators. The organisers could also consider reviewing and addressing some or all of the 2023 LLZ Conference and Expo or Exhibition shortcomings: through increased use technology by delegates to ask questions, engagement of professional facilitators (director and master of ceremonies and rapporteur), strict adherence to the programme and time allocated for each session etc. Further, Zambian authorities and private sector should ensure that outcomes of the 2023 LLZ Conference and Expo or Exhibition are critically reviewed and ensure that progressive recommendations are considered for implementation (in order to reduce the cost of doing business for an effective and efficient transport and logistics sector). There is also need to formulate appropriate policies, strategies and legal framework for the logistics space. Organisers could also work closely with the media to ensure the event is publicised (during preparations and also dissemination of outcomes). Further, topics of discussion and presentation the 2024 LLZ Conference and Exhibition could include other aspects of transport and logistics in the supply-chain such as:

• Storage, warehousing and materials or cargo handling

• Packaging and unitisation

• Inventory management

• Transportation

• Information and control

• Customs management

• Order processing etc: any delivery process can only function if there is an order processing system in place

Going forward, organisers of the successive LLZ Conferences and Expos or Exhibitions should ensure that other aspects of the transport and logistics sector are considered for discussion or presentation. The presentations and panel discussions could also be based on experiences from other African countries from which Zambia could draw lessons. This could ensure adoption of best practice by Zambian authorities and private sector operators. The organisers could also consider reviewing and addressing some or all of the 2023 LLZ Conference and Expo or Exhibition shortcomings: through increased use technology by delegates to ask questions, engagement of professional facilitators (director and master of ceremonies and rapporteur), strict adherence to the programme and time allocated for each session etc. Further, Zambian authorities and private sector should ensure that outcomes of the 2023 LLZ Conference and Expo or Exhibition are critically reviewed and ensure that progressive recommendations are considered for implementation (in order to reduce the cost of doing business for an effective and efficient transport and logistics sector). There is also need to formulate appropriate policies, strategies and legal framework for the logistics space. Organisers could also work closely with the media to ensure the event is publicised (during preparations and also dissemination of outcomes). Further, topics of discussion and presentation the 2024 LLZ Conference and Exhibition could include other aspects of transport and logistics in the supply-chain such as:

• Storage, warehousing and materials or cargo handling

• Packaging and unitisation

• Inventory management

• Transportation

• Information and control

• Customs management

• Order processing etc: any delivery process can only function if there is an order processing system in place

Unlocking the Potential of Positioning Zambia as an Aviation Hub

Through the 2019-2028 National Transport Policy, the GRZ envisions a “sustainable, efficient, safe and integrated transport system capable of making Zambia a regional transport hub”. Achievements of this vision are considered as key milestones towards the successful implementation of national economic development aspirations as enshrined in the 8NDP. The aviation sector has been growing steadily due to the:

• Adoption and effective implementation of policies aimed at liberalising the use of the African airspace

• Promotion of free movement of goods and people

• Creating a competitive environment to promote economic development of air transport

• Increased passengers and air cargo traffic

• Improved operational effectiveness and efficiency

• Enhanced capacity in the aviation sector

• Promoting transparent stakeholder collaboration This session discussed reforms that Zambia has undertaken such as an improved business environment and investment climate to ensure business competitiveness and increased investments aimed at boosting economic development. The panellists discussed Government reform programmes and activities to create a stable and predictable macroeconomic framework. The discussion also highlighted the ease of doing business and why businesses should invest in Zambia.

Optimisation and Interoperability of the Railway Network Within the Tripartite

Region (COMESA, EAC and SADC)

Zambia’s vision in the transport sector is to create an efficient and integrated inter-modal transport system which will provide for interlinkages among the four (4) modes of transport (rail, road, air and water) and ultimately transform Zambia into a regional transport hub, taking advantage of Zambia’s geographical position in the tripartite region. The tripartite region has formulated and implemented policies that promote interoperability in the railway sub-sector in order to achieve the muchdesired benefits from the use of the railway systems. Such policies have promoted the safe and technical compatibility of trains and the railway infrastructure, railway sub-sector to compete more effectively with other modes of transport and enhancing efficiency in transport service delivery and trade facilitation. The session sought to discuss how Governments in tripartite Member States should foster collaboration by ensuring that different standards, technology and capital investment requirements are harmonised. Further, the discussion delved into collaborations with the private sector to implement regional railway projects and open up critical railway corridors which will enable trains to operate seamlessly across the tripartite region and beyond, including how to optimise the use of the existing railway network in the tripartite region.

Tourism: The Role of Transport Sector in Repositioning Destination Zambia

Transport is a key element in the development of the tourism industry in any destination. Travel time is an important element in making travel decisions, especially in international tourism. In November 2022, the MoT and the ZTA launched a short-term strategy aimed at increasing the footfall into the destination. In achieving the ambitions of the strategy, the intra-African tourism services market has been identified as an emerging source market that will, in the postpandemic era, be key in the recovery and sustainability of the sector.

The cost of travel strongly influences demand. Therefore, in order to be competitive, the transport infrastructure as well as the mobility of travellers within the country of destination have to be key factors in the transformational agenda of the tourism sector. The tourism sector requires wellconstructed and organised terminals and planned schedules in road, rail, water and air as well as self-travel options that are safe and cost-effective.

Mining: Towards Three Million Metric Tonnes of Copper Production: Opportunity for the Transport and Logistics Sector

The President of the Republic of Zambia H.E. Hakainde Hichilema made a pronouncement that Zambia could realistically produce 3’000’000 MT of copper per annum by 2031. There are several ongoing initiatives being implemented by the Government to ensure that the country increases the copper production capacity which would positively impact the economy.

An outstanding challenge in the mining industry is the cost of transportation of mineral outputs to various destinations.