EU Ambassadors Visit Kazungula Bridge to Strengthen Regional Connectivity

EU Ambassadors Visit Kazungula Bridge to Strengthen Regional Connectivity. A delegation of European Union Ambassadors to the SADC region visited the Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA) today, underscoring the bridge’s growing role as a hub for regional mobility and trade. The delegation included EU Ambassador to Botswana and SADC Petra Pereyra, Finland’s Ambassador Designate Mr. Pekka Juhani Metso, and German Ambassador Gabriela Bennemann, who were received by Executive Director Mukela Muyunda.

The engagement provided a platform to reflect on Kazungula’s evolving importance as a strategic nexus for cross-border movement. Delegates were briefed on collaborative efforts by the Zambian authorities, the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), and other border stakeholders to transition the Kazungula One Stop Border Post into a 24-hour operation by 1 April 2026. This advancement is expected to enhance efficiency in trade and travel across the region.

A guided presentation tour of the Kazungula Bridge offered the ambassadors a panoramic view of progress achieved through multi-stakeholder cooperation. The bridge, located at a critical crossing point on the Zambezi River where Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe converge, serves as a gateway into the KAZA region. It strengthens trade corridors while also boosting tourism access.

From a destination marketing perspective, the bridge elevates Botswana’s accessibility, enabling integrated regional travel experiences. The Botswana Tourism Organisation continues to leverage this connectivity, positioning Kasane and the Chobe region as key entry points within Southern Africa’s tourism circuit.

The visit concluded with a site engagement at the Kazungula One Stop Border Post, where immigration and BURS officials outlined operational processes and the coordinated framework that streamlines the flow of goods and travellers.

The visit highlighted Kazungula’s role in advancing regional integration, reinforcing its position as a vital link for economic and tourism growth.