Zambia, a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, shares its borders with eight neighboring countries, each contributing to the region’s cultural diversity, economic interconnectedness, and geopolitical dynamics. From the natural wonders of Victoria Falls shared with Zimbabwe to the bustling trade routes with Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia’s neighboring countries play a significant role in shaping its history, development, and regional influence.
1. Angola: Angola shares a border with Zambia to the west, spanning approximately 1,065 kilometers (662 miles) along the Zambezi River. The two countries have historical ties dating back to the pre-colonial era when trade networks connected the regions. Today, Angola is a key trading partner for Zambia, with bilateral trade in commodities such as petroleum, minerals, and agricultural products.
The Caprivi Strip, a narrow strip of land belonging to Namibia, separates Angola from Zambia’s westernmost region. Despite historical tensions over border disputes and conflicts during Angola’s civil war, the relationship between Zambia and Angola has improved in recent years, with efforts to enhance cross-border cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, and regional integration.
2. Botswana: Botswana shares a border with Zambia to the south, encompassing the Kazungula region and the Zambezi River. The two countries have historically maintained cordial relations, with shared interests in wildlife conservation, tourism, and regional stability. Botswana’s Chobe National Park, located along the border with Zambia, is renowned for its abundant wildlife and attracts tourists from around the world.
The Kazungula Bridge, completed in 2021, has facilitated cross-border trade and travel between Zambia and Botswana, providing a vital transportation link for the region. Additionally, both countries are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), promoting cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and regional security.
3. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): The Democratic Republic of the Congo shares a border with Zambia to the north, stretching along the Luapula River and Lake Tanganyika. The two countries have a long history of cultural exchange and economic interaction, with shared ethnic groups residing along the border regions. However, the relationship between Zambia and the DRC has been affected by conflicts and instability in eastern Congo.
Despite these challenges, Zambia and the DRC have cooperated on various fronts, including trade, energy, and transportation. The construction of the Kolwezi-Solwezi Road, linking Zambia’s Copperbelt Province with the DRC’s Katanga Province, has enhanced connectivity and trade between the two countries. Additionally, both countries are partners in the Grand Inga Dam project, a hydroelectric initiative aimed at harnessing the power of the Congo River for regional energy development.
4. Malawi: Malawi shares a border with Zambia to the east, encompassing the shores of Lake Malawi (also known as Lake Nyasa). The two countries have historical ties dating back to the colonial era when they were both part of the British Central Africa Protectorate. Today, Malawi and Zambia maintain close relations, with shared interests in agriculture, trade, and regional cooperation.
Lake Malawi serves as an important natural resource for both countries, supporting fishing communities and providing freshwater for irrigation and domestic use. The Nacala Corridor, a transportation route linking landlocked Malawi with the port of Nacala in Mozambique, passes through Zambia, facilitating trade and economic integration in the region.
5. Mozambique: Mozambique shares a border with Zambia to the southeast, spanning the easternmost region of Zambia along the Luangwa River. The two countries have historical connections dating back to the pre-colonial era when trade routes linked the interior of Southern Africa with the Indian Ocean coast. Today, Mozambique and Zambia cooperate on various fronts, including trade, transportation, and regional development.
The TAZARA Railway, connecting Zambia’s Copperbelt Province with the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, passes through Mozambique, providing a vital transportation link for landlocked Zambia. Additionally, Mozambique’s port facilities at Beira and Nacala serve as important gateways for Zambian exports and imports, particularly for agricultural commodities and minerals.
6. Namibia: Namibia shares a border with Zambia to the southwest, spanning the Caprivi Strip and the Zambezi River. The two countries have historical ties dating back to the pre-colonial era when trade routes connected the regions. Today, Namibia and Zambia maintain friendly relations, with shared interests in wildlife conservation, tourism, and regional stability.
The Caprivi Strip serves as a vital transportation corridor for landlocked Zambia, providing access to Namibia’s port facilities at Walvis Bay and facilitating trade with international markets. Additionally, both countries are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), promoting cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and regional security.
7. Tanzania: Tanzania shares a border with Zambia to the northeast, spanning the northernmost region of Zambia along Lake Tanganyika. The two countries have historical ties dating back to the pre-colonial era when trade routes linked the interior of Southern Africa with the East African coast. Today, Tanzania and Zambia maintain close relations, with shared interests in trade, transportation, and regional integration.
The TAZARA Railway, completed in 1976 with assistance from China, connects Zambia’s Copperbelt Province with the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, providing a vital transportation link for landlocked Zambia. Additionally, Tanzania’s port facilities at Dar es Salaam serve as important gateways for Zambian exports and imports, particularly for agricultural commodities and minerals.
8. Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe shares a border with Zambia to the south, encompassing the Zambezi River and the iconic Victoria Falls. The two countries have historical ties dating back to the pre-colonial era when trade routes connected the regions. Today, Zimbabwe and Zambia maintain friendly relations, with shared interests in tourism, trade, and regional cooperation.
Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, is shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, attracting tourists from around the globe to marvel at its natural beauty. The Victoria Falls Bridge, completed in 1905, serves as a vital transportation link between the two countries, facilitating trade and travel across the Zambezi River.