The Foreign Ministers of Zambia, Mulambo Haimbe, and Tanzania, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, have discussed trade facilitation measures and bilateral projects. This was reported by the Zambian agency Lusaka Times, citing a joint communiqué.
During the meeting, the ministers emphasized the high level of development of bilateral relations, as well as the importance of adhering to trade regulations aimed at harmonizing bilateral standards. The sides commended the work of the ministries responsible for trade, which have been holding meetings of the Joint Trade Committee since 2023.
"Through this mechanism, the parties have made efforts to eliminate trade barriers. 14 out of 24 registered barriers have been removed, including the consolidation of local fees and clarification of employment rules," the communiqué stated.
Additionally, Zambia and Tanzania agreed to establish a functional system for monitoring non-tariff barriers by the end of August 2026.
The diplomats also instructed experts from both countries to create a mechanism for monitoring compliance with trade agreements within the framework of the World Trade Organization, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and SADC, with monthly progress reports, and emphasized the role of digitalization in conducting secure and efficient trade.
"In this regard, the ministers instructed the two countries to cooperate in implementing an advanced electronic cargo tracking system, which Tanzania already uses with other trading partners," the press release stated.
The sides also discussed a number of logistics projects — including the upgrading of the TAZARA railway, the construction of a new TAZAMA oil pipeline, the development of a gas pipeline project, the expansion and modernization of the border post at Tunduma, and other infrastructure-related issues.
Earlier, African Initiative reported on the importance of Dar es Salaam as a logistics hub for neighboring East African countries.
