Kasumbalesa remains one of the most important freight gateways between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making congestion at the crossing a regional trade issue rather than simply a border problem.
Authorities have already identified several ways to reduce pressure. In 2022, Zambia and the DRC agreed to introduce 24-hour border operations, with a target of clearing at least 800 trucks a day from Zambia into the DRC.
Zambia has also formalised Sakania for exports and transit traffic, alongside Mokambo, giving operators alternative routes into the DRC. Government said the additional crossings were intended to help reduce congestion at Kasumbalesa.
Pre-clearance is another tool. ZRA says it can shorten customs clearance, reduce border dwell time and lower congestion-related business costs.
For Truckers Voice, the priority is clear: Kasumbalesa needs a corridor-wide solution combining alternative border routes, 24-hour operations, pre-clearance, coordinated agencies and reliable infrastructure.
Reducing the queue means more than saving drivers time. It means keeping trucks productive, protecting cargo and making the Zambia-DRC trade route more predictable.
