Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, has formally bid farewell to staff at his ministry, highlighting key achievements recorded since the year 2021.
Speaking during his farewell address, Mr Tayali said the creation of the Ministry under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration marked the beginning of a new approach to Zambia’s development, where transport and logistics were positioned as the backbone of economic transformation.
He said the ministry has successfully built an integrated transport system aimed at linking roads, railways, airports, border facilities and logistics hubs to enhance national productivity and regional trade.
He cited the aviation sector as one of the ministry’s major success stories, noting that the country has improved its aviation safety standards beyond regional and global benchmarks through regulatory reforms and strengthened oversight.
Mr Tayali further said the re-launch of Zambia Airways in December 2021 restored Zambia’s presence in international aviation while promoting tourism, connectivity and economic diplomacy.
He also said the upgrading of provincial airports in Kasama, Chipata, Mongu, Solwezi, Mfuwe and Mansa, has opened up provinces to trade, tourism and agricultural exports.
On infrastructure development, Mr Tayali described the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway as one of the country’s largest projects, adding that the Public-Private Partnership model demonstrated Zambia’s ability to mobilise investment for major infrastructure works.
In the rail sector, Mr Tayali said government secured an estimated US$1.4 billion investment through the concessioning of TAZARA to rehabilitate the railway, procure locomotives and modernise operations.
He added that government has also embarked on the recapitalisation of Zambia Railways Limited and recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a proposed US$2.18 billion Kafue-Lion’s Den Railway Project aimed at linking Zambia to the Port of Beira in Mozambique.
Mr Tayali further noted that government operationalised six major transport corridors, namely North-South, Nacala, Dar es Salaam, Walvis Bay, Beira and Lobito, to improve trade efficiency and strengthen regional integration.
He said the ministry also modernised One-Stop Border Posts, which include Kazungula, Chirundu, Nakonde and Mwami, while expanding inland harbour projects in Nchelenge, Samfya, Siavonga, Sinazongwe, Chipepo and Shang’ombo districts.
He has since thanked government officials, technocrats, cooperating partners and the private sector for supporting the ministry’s vision.
And Mr Tayali said he was leaving office confident that Zambia is on course to becoming a regional transport and logistics hub in Southern Africa.
Tayali the idea is great but just the implementation…..slower than snail’s pace