$1.5B Botswana-Zambia Rail Plan Seeks to Reshape Regional Trade

 After years of discussion, the plan for a rail connection between Botswana and Zambia is now entering a critical phase. This segment's development is part of a broader geoeconomic competition among regional corridors.

The Mosetse-Kazungula-Livingstone railway project, which aims to link Zambia with Botswana, is entering a significant phase with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Turkish company Eksen Group. This agreement provides a framework for collaboration to facilitate the project's planning, preparation, and implementation. This railway could accelerate Southern Africa's regional integration.

Planned over 430 kilometers, the future railway line aims to position both countries as reliable alternatives to trade routes currently dominated by South Africa.

A Strategic Repositioning

The Kazungula Bridge, inaugurated in 2021 and spanning 923 meters, crosses the Zambezi River at the border between Botswana and Zambia. It already serves as a key transit point for road transport in the region. However, its logistics potential remains underused due to a lack of a connected rail network on both sides.

The new corridor, which the two states will co-finance, is expected to complement existing and planned routes in the region. These include the South Africa–Mozambique corridor with extensions into Zimbabwe, or the Beira corridor linking Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to Mozambique’s ports. There is also the Trans-Kalahari network that aims to connect Namibia with Botswana.

Ultimately, these various rail segments will interlink with lines under development in East Africa. Examples include the Lobito corridor, Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway projects with its neighbors Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia, and those underway between Uganda and Kenya.

Toward a Diversification of Logistics Corridors

Currently, a large share of imports and exports for landlocked Southern African Development Community countries such as Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe still passes through South African ports, especially Durban. However, congestion, rising logistics costs, and recent disruptions linked to internal crises like strikes are prompting these countries to seek more stable alternatives.

Kazungula could thus become a strategic link in redirecting flows eastward to Beira in Mozambique and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, or westward to Walvis Bay in Namibia. It would offer a connected, multimodal, and cross border route. For Botswana’s authorities, the railway is expected to reduce freight transport costs, attract investment, and boost special economic zones.

Zambia aims to secure its mining export routes for copper and cobalt, and reduce its vulnerability to road transport risks. The Kazungula connection will strengthen options toward Asian markets via the Indian Ocean while facilitating intra-regional trade.

Several challenges remain, notably the project’s estimated $1.5 billion cost and its economic viability. According to experts, the project requires a freight volume of 7.5 million tonnes per year to break even, while current road traffic over the bridge stands at 3.1 million tonnes.

Added to this are regulatory harmonization constraints and the need for inter-state coordination. The memorandum of understanding signed with Turkish firm Eksen Group marks a step forward but does not yet guarantee the project’s realization or viability.

Source: $1.5B Botswana-Zambia Rail Plan Seeks to Reshape Regional Trade (29/07/2025)

Victoria Falls: Wetland city status isn’t just a title — It’s a promise to the planet

 VICTORIA FALLS— The buzz of COP15 continues, but for Victoria Falls, it’s more than just a diplomatic milestone, it’s a mandate for action. On Thursday, the city officially received its Wetland City Accreditation certificate from Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention, placing Victoria Falls among only 13 cities globally to earn this recognition.

The Wetland City Accreditation recognises cities that have demonstrated outstanding effort to protect and sustainably manage urban wetlands, while actively involving local communities. For Victoria Falls, this means safeguarding critical wetlands like the Victoria Falls Wetland Site, balancing development with ecological responsibility, and ensuring youth, women, businesses, and residents are all part of the conservation journey.

According to Leonard Ncube, the Public Relations Officer for the Victoria Falls City Council, this milestone has been years in the making. Since the city was granted the status in January 2025, Council has held extensive community engagements, from market vendors at Busy Island to learners at Mosi-oa-Tunya High and Chamabondo Primary. A schools competition themed “Wetlands” included debates, poetry, and art — all aimed at building awareness in both English and local languages.

Education efforts didn’t stop at classrooms. The Council rolled out wetland conservation messaging via Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and public campaigns using branded materials like T-shirts and pens. Every official communication — even council notices — now carries the Wetland City identity.

The city’s strategy aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 13 on Climate Action, and SDG 17 on Partnerships. The new status opens doors for collaboration, tourism opportunities, and funding. Already, delegations from Cape Town, Nagoya, and Kasane have shown interest in partnerships that can bring tangible benefits to Victoria Falls residents.

Being named a Wetland City is not just about recognition — it’s about responsibility. Victoria Falls is proving that protecting nature can go hand-in-hand with urban development, tourism, and community empowerment. The real work begins now.

Source: Victoria Falls: Wetland city status isn’t just a title — It’s a promise to the planet (29/07/2025)

Zambian Ministry of Tourism warns residents from provoking elephants

MINISTRY OF TOURISM WARNS AGAINST DELIBERATE IRRITATION OF ELEPHANTS – CALLS FOR RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR AROUND WILDLIFE

Lusaka, Thursday, 24th July 2025

The Ministry of Tourism has noted with serious concern a video circulating on social media showing individuals deliberately provoking elephants in Livingstone. Such behaviour agitates elephants and compromises public safety.

We, therefore, wish to categorically warn members of the public, especially those living in or visiting areas where elephants and other wild animals are present, against deliberately irritating or provoking wildlife by shouting, chasing or throwing objects at them. Generally, elephants are calm but wild and dangerous animals that, when provoked, can become aggressive and cause fatal harm to humans or damage to property.

In this enlightment, the Ministry wishes to remind the public that:

1. Wild animals must be treated with respect and caution. They are not to be approached, taunted, or interacted with for entertainment purposes.

2. Deliberate provocation of wildlife constitutes an offense under the Zambia Wildlife Act and may result in prosecution, fines, or imprisonment of perpetrators.

3. Provocation of elephants may cause loss of human life and other fatalities and may result in the unnecessary killing of animals that were otherwise peaceful, all due to human recklessness.

We urge communities and individuals to take the following safety measures seriously:

- Keep a safe distance of more than 50m from the elephants and all wildlife.

- Do not attempt to feed, chase, or mock animals.

- Report any stray or threatening animal activity to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife immediately.

- Educate children and visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation and the need for co-existence.

The Ministry, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, continues to work with communities and stakeholders to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife. However, this can only be successful if all citizens play their part by acting responsibly and respectfully toward our natural heritage.

Let us remember that wildlife is a national treasure and must be protected not provoked.

Issued by Nelly Banda Principal Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Tourism

 

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

 

Victoria Falls: New vision for accessibility, experience development

(The Zambian Post, 22 July 2025)

Opinion Piece by Kaluwe Libingi

As proud custodians of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World - Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls), we must continue to strike a thoughtful balance between preservation and innovation. 

While we rightly appreciate the National Heritage Commission's efforts to maintain the natural integrity of the falls, we must also ask: can modern technology enhance the visitor's experience without compromising environmental values? The answer, I believe, is yes.

The Victoria Falls area already has man-made features such as the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge and the Knife Edge Bridge, which blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings,

Building upon this precedent, I propose a transformative upgrade: replacing the current Knife Edge Bridge with a glass-bottom 'cracking' bridge, like those popular in Chine.

These thrilling structures, with their optical illusions of cracking glass, provide safe yet unforgettable adrenaline-filled experiences for tourists.

Imagine walking above the gorge, with the thundering Zambezi beneath your feet, adding an exhilarating layer to the visual and emotional experience of the falls.

It is an innovation that would not only attract global attention but also increase Zambia's tourist revenues and elevate our standing on the international tourism map.

More importantly, our tourism model must become inclusive. Currently, the path to the Boiling Pot, a unique vantage point at the bottom of the falls, is steep and treacherous.

This effectively excludes the elderly, the disabled, and families with young children from experiencing one of the most spectacular views of the falls.

This exclusion contradicts our national values of inclusively and equity.

I propose the construction of a scenic elevator built discreetly into the gorge wall, offering safe, comfortable, and breathtaking access to the boiling pot as seen here in China.

This development would serve not only as a practical solution for accessibility but also as an added tourist feature in itself.

Imagine a panoramic lift offering unmatched views of the gorge as it descends down the boiling pot.

Livingstone town, as the gateway to the Victoria Falls, holds immense untapped potential in my view.

With a functioning international airport, proximity to wildlife, and the unique geography of Kazungual Four-Border Point, Livingstone can be transformed into a regional magnet for investment, tourism and luxury living.

A portion of land on the outskirts could be carefully developed into high-profile residential plots marketed to international celebrities, entrepreneurs and eco-conscious investors seeking privacy and prestige.

These developments would not only inject foreign currency into the local economy but also uplift the profile and real estate value of Livingstone itself.

A holiday home in Livingstone could very well become the 'African retreat' equivalent to a villa in Tuscany or a chalet in the Swiss Alps.

To connect all these innovations, let us dream even further

We already have luxury trains like Royal Livingstone Express and Rovos Rail gracing our tracks.

Why not extend the existing luxury train line from Victoria Falls to Kasane, offering tourists a seamless journey from Zambia to Botswana's wildlife sanctuaries?

This rail extension (renovating the Mulobezi rail track and extending it to Kazungula) would not only complement Kazungula Bridge but also position the Victoria Falls region as a multi-country experience hub, boosting regional cooperation and joint tourism ventures.

It is time we dared to dream.

With careful planning, environmental assessments, and partnerships with local and international stakeholders, Victoria Falls can remain a majestic natural wonder while evolving into a global powerhouse.

By embracing accessibility, modern infrastructure, and visionary development, Zambia can ensure that the falls remain relevant, inclusive, and competitive on the world stage for generations to come.

The author is an international educator currently teaching in China, licensed in British Columbia, Canada, with a doctorate in business administration.

Source: Victoria Falls: New vision for accessibility, experience development (22/07/25)

Victoria Falls bridge marks 120 years of uniting nations and boosting tourism

 This year marks a monumental milestone for one of Africa’s most iconic structures, the Victoria Falls Bridge, as it celebrates 120 years of connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe while serving as a vital commercial, historical, and tourism landmark.

Since its completion in 1905, the bridge has stood as a testament to engineering brilliance, linking the two nations across the Zambezi River just a few hundred metres from the breathtaking Victoria Falls.

The bridge, constructed entirely from steel, spans an impressive 198 metres across the second gorge of the falls, with its arch rising to 156.50 metres at the top and 128 metres at its base above the river.

In a statement commemorating the anniversary, the Emerged Railway Properties (ERP) Board, which manages the bridge, highlighted the bridge’s enduring significance.

“This year marks the 120th anniversary of the most iconic bridge in Zambia in terms of historical, tourism, and commercial significance. The Victoria Falls Bridge crosses the Zambezi River, just a few hundred metres from the majestic Victoria Falls.

“It is built across the second gorge from the Victoria Falls. It was constructed purely from steel, it spans an impressive 198 metres across the gorge. It is arch-shaped, with the arch rising to a height of approximately 156.50 metres at the top and 128 metres at its base above the Zambezi River,” reads the statement.

On the bridge are a one-vehicle-wide roadway, a railway track, and a footpath in between and on both sides of the bridge.

The bridge is the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe and one of only three road links between the two countries.

The Victoria Falls Bridge remains a critical transport and trade artery for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and services.

As the only rail link between the two nations, it has played a pivotal role in regional trade, connecting southern Africa to markets as far as South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Truck drivers, traders, and tourists alike rely on the bridge daily, making it one of the busiest border crossings in the region.

Its strategic importance cannot be overstated, particularly as both nations continue to explore deeper economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Beyond its commercial value, the bridge has become a world-renowned tourism attraction, offering adrenaline-pumping activities such as bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and zip-lining, drawing thousands of adventure seekers annually.

The bridge tour provides visitors with unparalleled views of the Victoria Falls on one side and the historic Victoria Falls Hotel on the other.

“Train tours onto and across the bridge every week give hundreds of tourists a rare opportunity to enjoy the bridge and its unique ambience, while tasting memorable cuisine aboard the train, and viewing the beautiful sunset!” the ERP Board said.

Despite its age, the bridge remains structurally sound, thanks to rigorous maintenance and inspection protocols.

The ERP Board emphasised the collaborative efforts of engineers and security personnel from both Zambia and Zimbabwe in ensuring its longevity.

“The bridge boasts an impressive safety record across the decades as it is managed by experienced engineers who undertake rigorous daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections and management protocols, overseen by a combination of engineers from institutions like the Road Development Agency (RDA) in Zambia, the Zimbabwe Roads Department, specialised Bridge Safety engineers, as well as security personnel from both Zambia and Zimbabwe,” reads the statement.

An independent international engineering firm conducts a principal inspection every five years to assess structural integrity.

The most recent assessment in 2022 confirmed the bridge’s remarkable durability, projecting a lifespan of 200 years from its construction date, meaning it could remain operational until 2105.

“As documented in the present report, the Victoria Falls Bridge is generally very healthy, and the current maintenance schedule is sufficient for securing the durability. When the items listed in the summary above are taken care of, and the good maintenance practice continued, we assume main structures of 200 years from the original construction, i.e. until 2105 (~2100),” reads the statement.

Source: Victoria Falls bridge marks 120 years of uniting nations and boosting tourism (21/07/2025)

Unesco World Heritage Committee endorses Mosi-Oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls Declaration

 THE Unesco World Heritage Committee has officially adopted the draft decision on the progress report on the World Heritage Convention and Sustainable Development, acknowledging the Mosi-Oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls Declaration on World Heritage and Sustainable Development in Africa.

The milestone was reached on Saturday last week during the committee's meeting in Paris, France.

The declaration emphasises that Africa's cultural and natural heritage should catalyse sustainable development, peace-building and the promotion of human dignity.

It calls for integrating heritage into national development plans and highlights the importance of empowering communities as custodians and co-managers of heritage.

Zambia's nature expert on the World Heritage Committee, Kagosi Mwamulowe, presented amendments to the draft decision, which were supported by Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

“The declaration will serve as a foundation for fostering sustainable development projects that will transform the livelihoods of local communities in and around world heritage sites in Africa, while showcasing Victoria Falls as a sustainable tourism model,” Mwamulowe said.

He said the declaration aimed to promote Africa's cultural and natural heritage as a catalyst for sustainable development, peace-building and human dignity.

The committee's adoption of the amended decision requires the World Heritage Centre and advisory bodies to support African State parties in implementing the declaration, subject to the availability of budgetary resources.

However, the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site faces increasing threats from individual and cumulative infrastructural developments.

Unesco's report warns that the site's outstanding universal values could be considered in danger if current development proposals proceed without proper consideration for the environment.

The proposed Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme has given rise to concerns about its potential impact on the ecological status of the Victoria Falls.

Unesco's World Heritage Committee also called on State parties to revise the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment in line with the Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessments in a World Heritage Context.

The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site is also threatened by tourism infrastructural development, noise pollution and waste management issues.

Effective regulation and control of tourism development pressures will be crucial for site managers.

The Joint Integrated Management Plan for the property is being revised to incorporate necessary safeguards and thresholds to mitigate against developmental pressures for the protection of the property's outstanding universal value.

The Unesco World Heritage Committee also expressed concern over the increasing tourism infrastructural development pressures within and around the property, including the start of the construction of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort Hotel within the buffer zone of the property.

The committee called on State parties to halt further activities until further consultation with the World Heritage Centre and IUCN have taken place and all relevant environmental and social impact assessments have been submitted to the World Heritage Centre and reviewed by IUCN.

It further indicated that the potential impacts of the infrastructural developments on the outstanding universal values of the property should also be adequately assessed.

Source: Unesco World Heritage Committee endorses Mosi-Oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls Declaration (17/07/25)

Zimbabwe's ex-foreign minister Walter Mzembi jailed after spending years in South Africa

 A court in Zimbabwe has dismissed Zimbabwe’s former foreign affairs minister Walter Mzembi’s application challenging his placement on remand, extending his detention.

State-owned The Herald newspaper reported that Harare regional magistrate Donald Ndirowei has dismissed Mzembi’s application challenging his placement on remand.

The matter was postponed to Friday where a date of trial is expected to be allocated.

Authorities in the post-Robert Mugabe-era have issued warrants of arrest against Mzembi since 2008, after the long-time ruler, Mugabe, was unceremoniously removed from power.

The Herald reported that the court has recently confirmation of three outstanding warrants of arrest against Mzembi, who has previously held different cabinet posts in Mugabe’s regime. 

Mzembi, the 61-year-old former Masvingo South Member of Parliament, was arrested on June 14 when he, in a surprise move, returned to Zimbabwe from his base in South Africa, where he had stayed for around seven years.

When he left Zimbabwe in 2018, Mzembi was on bail, and he had convinced the Harare authorities that he needed urgent cancer treatment from experts in South Africa. He never returned home to face trial on serious charges of corruption and criminal abuse of office.

In 2021, State media in Zimbabwe reported that the government of Zimbabwe was awaiting a response from their South African counterparts following a request to have Mzembi to Harare for trial on theft and fraud charges.

At the time, Mzembi was accused of criminal abuse of duty, and theft of trust funds involving US$847 000 (more than R15 million). The crimes were allegedly committed while Mzembi was minister of tourism and hospitality, and was spearheading Zimbabwe’s co-hosting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Conference in August 2013.

Source: Zimbabwe's ex-foreign minister Walter Mzembi jailed after spending years in South Africa (15/07/25)