+
Western Corridor Launches Fastest Route to Walvis Bay Port
PORTS & SHIPPING

Western Corridor Launches Fastest Route to Walvis Bay Port

Zambia has commenced construction on the Western Corridor Transformation Project, a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) initiative led by Western Corridor Limited (WCL), marking the launch of the fastest trade route from Zambia to Walvis Bay Port in Namibia. The groundbreaking ceremony in Kasempa was officiated by the President of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, with senior government officials, private sector partners, and community representatives in attendance.
Developed through an SPV incorporated by BeefCo Limited and First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Limited, WCL is upgrading the existing gravel alignment to a bituminous standard, including two new bridges over the Lalafuta and Luena rivers, with selected urban works in Kasempa and Kaoma. The 371km road will improve travel times, enhance export capacity, and generate employment, while supporting the government’s Eighth National Development Plan. The route will link mining zones, strengthen agricultural output, and provide the fastest trade access to Walvis Bay port.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Hichilema stressed the project’s significance for national and regional connectivity and economic growth, particularly in agriculture and mining. He highlighted its role in unlocking investment, supporting MSMEs and reserving at least 20 per cent of work for local Zambian contractors and suppliers.
WCL CEO Buks Jansen Van Rensburg emphasised collaboration in delivering the Mutanda–Kaoma road, urging support for local capability and solutions. Dr Godwin Beene, Country Manager, FQM, noted that improved road networks are essential to enabling responsible mining-led development and stimulating local enterprise.
The project is expected to catalyse economic expansion across the Western Corridor, advancing the government’s aim to strengthen sustainable infrastructure, create employment, and improve community livelihoods.

Zambia has commenced construction on the Western Corridor Transformation Project, a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) initiative led by Western Corridor Limited (WCL), marking the launch of the fastest trade route from Zambia to Walvis Bay Port in Namibia. The groundbreaking ceremony in Kasempa was officiated by the President of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, with senior government officials, private sector partners, and community representatives in attendance.Developed through an SPV incorporated by BeefCo Limited and First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Limited, WCL is upgrading the existing gravel alignment to a bituminous standard, including two new bridges over the Lalafuta and Luena rivers, with selected urban works in Kasempa and Kaoma. The 371km road will improve travel times, enhance export capacity, and generate employment, while supporting the government’s Eighth National Development Plan. The route will link mining zones, strengthen agricultural output, and provide the fastest trade access to Walvis Bay port.Speaking at the ceremony, President Hichilema stressed the project’s significance for national and regional connectivity and economic growth, particularly in agriculture and mining. He highlighted its role in unlocking investment, supporting MSMEs and reserving at least 20 per cent of work for local Zambian contractors and suppliers.WCL CEO Buks Jansen Van Rensburg emphasised collaboration in delivering the Mutanda–Kaoma road, urging support for local capability and solutions. Dr Godwin Beene, Country Manager, FQM, noted that improved road networks are essential to enabling responsible mining-led development and stimulating local enterprise.The project is expected to catalyse economic expansion across the Western Corridor, advancing the government’s aim to strengthen sustainable infrastructure, create employment, and improve community livelihoods.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code