Infrastructure & Transport Corridors
LevrAge Sector Report: Infrastructure & Transport Corridors (2025)
Executive Summary
- **Massive infrastructure gap = massive opportunity.** 67K km roads (only 22% paved), aging rail network, insufficient ports and logistics—$15B+ investment needed by 2030.
- **North-South Corridor anchor.** Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) to South Africa—Zambia is the critical link. Government prioritizing corridor upgrades, one-stop border posts, and multimodal logistics hubs.
- **PPP framework maturing.** Road toll concessions, rail BOT models, and SEZ infrastructure packages offer blended public-private structures with sovereign guarantees and DFI backing.
- **Regional integration driver.** SADC, COMESA, and TFTA commitments accelerating cross-border infrastructure harmonization—Zambia positioned as Southern Africa's logistics hub.
- **ZECS competitive advantage.** Investors with proven PPP experience, technical capacity, and DFI partnerships secure preferential access to corridor projects and sovereign-backed contracts.
ZDA Investment Landscape
Why Infrastructure Matters to Zambia
Strategic Position:
- Central hub: Tanzania-South Africa North-South Corridor
- 8 neighbors: Regional trade gateway for SADC and COMESA
- Resource logistics: Mining, agriculture, energy transport needs
- Urbanization: 45% urban (2025), targeting 60% by 2035
Government Priorities
8th National Development Plan (8NDP) Focus:
- Rehabilitate and expand road network (67K km → 100K km)
- Modernize rail infrastructure (TAZARA, Zambia Railways)
- Develop multimodal logistics hubs and dry ports
- Upgrade airports and aviation infrastructure
- Enhance urban transport and mass transit systems
Investment Incentives & Policy Framework
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Framework:
- Road toll concessions: 25-30 year BOT contracts
- Rail rehabilitation: DBFOM (Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain)
- Logistics hubs: Land lease + anchor tenant guarantees
- Sovereign guarantees: Available for strategic corridor projects
- Tax incentives: 5-10 year corporate tax holidays for infrastructure
- DFI support: AfDB, World Bank, IFC, China EXIM backing
Priority Infrastructure Projects:
- North-South Corridor road and rail upgrades
- Link Zambia 8000 project (road rehabilitation)
- TAZARA railway rehabilitation
- Dry port and logistics hub development
- Airport modernization (KKIA, Ndola, Livingstone)
- Urban mass transit systems (Lusaka, Copperbelt)
Sector Statistics
- Road Network: 67,671 km (only 22% paved)
- Rail Network: 2,157 km (aging, needs rehabilitation)
- Airports: 8 international, 100+ airstrips
- Border Posts: 35 (targeting one-stop automated systems)
- PPP Pipeline: $4B+ in infrastructure projects
- FDI Target: $5B+ in transport and logistics (2025-2030)
ZECS Readiness Requirements
To be competitive for PPP contracts, corridor projects, and infrastructure tenders:
Regulatory & Compliance Pathway (20% of ZECS score)
- PPP license or consortium registration
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
- Technical capacity certification (engineering, construction)
- Financial close documentation (DFI letters of interest)
- Land acquisition and right-of-way clearance plan
- No proven PPP track record
- Missing ESIA baseline studies
- Unclear land tenure or right-of-way issues
- Incomplete resettlement and compensation plans
- Engage with Road Development Agency (RDA) early
- Partner with established Zambian construction firms
- Secure DFI backing before bid submission
- Plan for community consultations and local hiring
Local Partner Fit (20% of ZECS score)
- Zambian construction or engineering partner
- Local content plan (30%+ materials and labor)
- Skills transfer and technical training program
- Community benefit-sharing (employment, services)
- Supply chain linkages (cement, aggregates, steel)
- Co-bid with Grade 1 Zambian contractors
- Engage local suppliers for materials
- Create apprenticeship programs for engineers/technicians
- Support community infrastructure (schools, clinics)
Financial Preparedness (15% of ZECS score)
- Bankable feasibility study (traffic, revenue projections)
- CapEx breakdown and financing plan
- DFI engagement (AfDB, World Bank, China EXIM, IFC)
- Performance bond and completion guarantees
- Revenue risk assessment and mitigation plan
LevrAge Facilitation Pathway
Phase 1: Entry Strategy (90-120 days)
Our Role:
- Map PPP pipeline and tender opportunities
- Identify suitable joint venture partners (construction, engineering)
- Assess project bankability and risk allocation
- Facilitate introductions to RDA and Ministry of Infrastructure
Deliverables:
- Infrastructure PPP roadmap
- Partner long-list and due diligence
- Regulatory and tender timeline
Phase 2: Stakeholder Engagement (120-240 days)
Our Role:
- Coordinate meetings with RDA, RFA (Road Fund Agency), and Ministry
- Facilitate community consultations and land acquisition planning
- Connect with DFIs for project finance
- Arrange technical due diligence and site visits
Phase 3: Deal Structuring (240-480 days)
Our Role:
- PPP bid preparation and submission support
- Financial model review and optimization
- DFI syndication and blended finance structuring
- Contract negotiation and financial close support
Typical Timeline: 24-48 months from RFQ to financial close
Active Opportunities
Featured Project: Link Zambia 8000 Road Rehabilitation
Investor: International infrastructure consortium
Scope: 2,000+ km road rehabilitation and upgrading
Location: National highways (North-South Corridor priority)
Stage: PPP structuring
Investment: $1.8B
Systemic Value Score: 91% (Transformational)
Why It Matters:
- Critical North-South Corridor connectivity
- 25-year toll concession model
- Sovereign guarantee and DFI backing
- 5,000+ construction jobs
- Reduces logistics costs by 30%+
ZECS Status: In Process (targeting Platinum tier)
Featured Project: Dry Port & Logistics Hub Development
Investor: Logistics and warehousing consortium
Facility: Multimodal dry port (rail, road, air interface)
Location: Lusaka (near KKIA)
Stage: Land allocated, financing
Investment: $250M
Systemic Value Score: 84% (Catalytic)
Why It Matters:
- Regional cargo aggregation and distribution
- Customs clearance and bonded warehousing
- Cold chain and specialized storage
- 1,500+ logistics jobs
- Reduces port dwell times by 40%
ZECS Status: Verified (Gold tier)
Sector Outlook & Trends
2025-2030 Opportunities
Road Infrastructure
- Highway rehabilitation and expansion
- Toll road concessions
- Urban road and drainage systems
- Bridge construction and rehabilitation
Rail Infrastructure
- TAZARA railway rehabilitation
- Zambia Railways modernization
- Mining railway spurs and sidings
- Urban light rail and metro systems
Logistics Infrastructure
- Dry ports and inland container depots
- Bonded warehouses and free zones
- Cold chain facilities
- Truck stops and weigh stations
Aviation Infrastructure
- Airport terminal expansions
- Runway rehabilitation and extensions
- Cargo handling facilities
- Air traffic control upgrades
Key Success Factors
✅ Secure DFI backing early (reduces political and revenue risk)
✅ Partner with local contractors (Grade 1 firms = credibility)
✅ Design for maintainability (O&M capacity is critical)
✅ Plan for community engagement (land acquisition requires buy-in)
✅ Understand traffic/revenue models (overestimation = project failure)
Next Steps
For Investors
- Start with Free ZECS Precheck → Get Your Score
- Review Active Pipeline → ZDA Pipeline Console
- Download Meeting Prep Guide → Embassy Readiness Checklist
- Book Consultation → Schedule 30-Min Assessment
For Partners
- Submit Opportunity → Project Intake Form
- Request Partnership Brief → Contact Us
- Zambia Development Agency (ZDA): Infrastructure investment profiles
- Road Development Agency (RDA): PPP pipeline and tender schedules
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development: Sector policy
- Road Fund Agency (RFA): Toll road financing mechanisms
- Zambia Railways Limited: Rail rehabilitation plans
- LevrAge Resources: Zambia Investment Roadshow 2025 Results, ZECS Methodology
Disclaimer
This sector brief is provided for informational purposes and reflects publicly available data from ZDA and government sources. It does not constitute investment advice, legal guidance, or an endorsement by the Zambia Development Agency or Government of Zambia.
Last Updated: October 12, 2025
Contact: LevrAge Strategy & Solutions | info@levrage.solutions
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