he Zambian Government has signed three landmark Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreements worth US$249 million aimed at expanding infrastructure at Mulungushi University and modernising strategic border facilities to support national development and regional trade.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held in Lusaka at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Lubasi Milupi said the agreements reflect the New Dawn government’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure.
Mr Milupi explained that the Mulungushi University expansion project in Central Province will deliver 19,000 bed spaces for students along with modern lecture theatres, an administration block, staff houses and a teaching hospital in Livingstone.
He further stated that the second PPP project involves the modernisation of the Chirundu Border Post, Zambia’s busiest inland border and a vital corridor for regional trade and economic activity.
Mr Milupi noted that the Chirundu Border Modernisation Project will deliver modern border infrastructure, township roads and other auxiliary facilities aimed at improving efficiency and sustaining the border’s critical role in regional commerce.
The third PPP agreement focuses on the development of the Kimiswalo Border project in Solwezi in North-Western Province, which will establish a new strategic border with the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo and include the construction of 50 staff houses and 10 kilometres of township roads.
Mr Milupi said the new border will unlock economic potential in the region by opening a new trade corridor, reducing transport costs, facilitating commerce and creating employment opportunities for local communities.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga said the signing of the agreements demonstrates the commitment of President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration to creating a favourable investment climate and promoting infrastructure-led economic growth.
Meanwhile, Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba, said the PPP initiatives are expected to deliver significant socio-economic benefits, while Royson Mukwena, Vice Chancellor of Mulungushi University, described the agreement as a milestone that will significantly address student accommodation challenges.
GOVERNMENT SIGNS US$249 MILLION PPP DEALS TO EXPAND MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY AND MODERNISE BORDER
