Border reopens as Zambia resolves trade dispute with DRC

Zambia and the DRC have agreed to reopen their shared border on Monday following the resolution of a trade dispute that led to its closure over the weekend.

In a joint statement, the ministers of commerce from both countries announced, "The Zambian party informed the Congolese party that the border will be reopened, in order to allow the free movement of people and goods between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Zambia."

The agreement came after Zambia's commerce, trade and industry minister Chipoka Mulenga met with Congolese officials in Lubumbashi.

The dispute had begun after the DRC imposed a ban on the import of soft drinks and beer from Zambia, prompting its Zambia to close its border with its northern neighbour on Sunday. The ban resulted in protests by Congolese lorry drivers near the border town of Kasumbalesa and drew criticism from Zambian business groups.

The Zambian Association of Manufacturers expressed concern that the ban could set a "dangerous precedent for future trade relations."

Zambia's decision to shut its border had threatened the DRC’s ability to export its minerals. The landlocked country boasts substantial gold, copper and cobalt reserves in its mineral-rich east, much of which passes through Zambia en route to coastal shipping points.

The swift resolution of this trade dispute highlights the importance of maintaining open borders and fostering good relations between neighbouring countries in the region.