Zambia, DRC ink border deal

A report by the East African disclosed that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia recently agreed to make trade across borders easier by signing a cooperation agreement under regional bloc, the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Ministers from both countries tabled a rough framework for cooperation and an action plan that has been put together to reach a long-term solution to the difficulties transporters face. This point was emphasised by Peter Kazadi, the DRC's deputy prime minister in charge of the interior and security, who noted that the DRC is continually looking for a lasting solution to the problems linked to the Kasumbalesa border.

"The incessant calls from transporters in the SADC network about the difficulties they encounter daily in carrying out their activities have reached our ears,” the deputy minister said.

“DRC is concerned about this situation, which is hampering the smooth flow of trade between our two countries. We have agreed to work together with Zambia and find a lasting solution to this situation,” he added.

Kazadi said meeting between ministers from both countries was an important step in the realisation of the commitment of the two states, with the support of SADC, to overcome the obstacles hindering trade and cross-border traffic within the region.