The Road to Zambezi Street - Part Two

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Zambia has the potential to serve as a trade hub at the crossroads of southern Africa. It has abundant mineral wealth which is in demand all around the world, and it is strategically located in the middle of the continent. But border delays, poor roads and trains that travel at an average of 20 km per hour – or 15, or 10, depending on who you talk to – mean that so far the country has failed to take advantage of its potential. The PF government has embarked on a massive spending programme designed to link the country with its neighbours and improve internal routes, but political opponents fear that poor governance and decision making could hold the country back. Peter Day talks to traders, truck drivers and ministers to find out what Zambia needs to continue its recent record of economic growth. Part 2 of 2. Producer: Mike Wendling Contributors Truck drivers at Kazungula crossing, southern Zambia, and Kamwala Shopping Area, Lusaka. Gilbert Temba, former president, Association of Zambian Mineral Exploration Companies Guy Scott, Vice President of Zambia Lee Habasonda, president, Zambian chapter of Transparency International Father Frank Bwalya, leader, Alliance for a Better Zambia Henry Chipewo, former managing director, Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority Yamfwa Mukanga, Zambian transport and communications minister Mupanga Mwanakatwe, chief executive, Zamtel Robin Mearns, sector leader and sustainability expert, World Bank, Lusaka