Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have resolved a trade dispute that led to the closure of border crossings, restoring the flow of exports from the world’s second-largest copper producer. The two countries signed a communique allowing Zambian products to enter Congo without restrictions, following a meeting between their commerce ministers. The dispute began when Congo banned imports of beer, soft drinks, and lime, prompting protests and leading Zambia to seal the border posts to protect its truck drivers.
The closure had severe consequences, including a queue of lorries stretching over 48 kilometers at the main border crossing and a threat to jobs in the industry. The Zambia Association of Manufacturers expressed deep concern over Congo’s unilateral decision to impose a 12-month ban on imports, highlighting the potential damage to trade and employment.
The ban on imports was enacted after Congo began producing its own lime, used in copper processing. However, the move led to protests and violence against Zambian truck drivers, forcing Zambia to act. Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga emphasized that the border closure was necessary to ensure safety, stating, “Trucks were being damaged, drivers were being beaten.”
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With the signing of the communique, Zambian products can now enter Congo without restrictions, and the flow of copper exports can resume. The resolution is crucial, as almost all of Congo’s copper production, exceeding 2.8 million tonnes last year, relies on road transport through Zambia to regional ports. The journey can take over a month, making the border crossing a critical choke point.
The trade dispute highlights the inter-connectedness of regional economies and the need for cooperation to ensure the free flow of goods. The swift resolution of the dispute demonstrates the commitment of both governments to protecting trade and employment, and their willingness to work together to address challenges and find mutually beneficial solutions.
