Tanzania–Zambia Copper Corridor Reopens After Weeklong Disruption

Tanzania has officially reopened its border with Zambia, restoring the crucial Tanzania–Zambia Copper Corridor after a weeklong disruption caused by post-election unrest. The resumption of trade marks a critical step toward stabilizing one of Africa’s most important mineral transport routes, which channels copper and cobalt from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to global markets via Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port. This reopening is expected to ease the strain on regional supply chains, normalize export logistics, and mitigate the economic ripple effects caused by the temporary shutdown.

The border closure, which occurred amid political tensions following Tanzania’s disputed election, had severely disrupted trade and logistics networks across the region. The Zambia Revenue Authority confirmed that cross-border operations have now returned to normal, with approximately 250 trucks being cleared daily in each direction. During the weeklong closure, copper exports were delayed, fuel deliveries were interrupted, and Malawi faced renewed shortages due to restricted access to Tanzanian transit routes. The unrest subsided after the swearing-in of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose leadership has brought a sense of political stability and allowed authorities to restore normal trade operations.

Dar es Salaam remains one of Africa’s most vital export gateways for minerals, particularly copper and cobalt, which are essential for global industries ranging from construction and power transmission to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. The corridor’s reopening will help clear export backlogs, reduce port congestion, and stabilize shipping schedules for mining companies operating in Zambia and the DRC. It also reaffirms the strategic significance of Tanzania’s logistics infrastructure to regional economic integration and the global energy transition supply chain.

The restoration of trade through the Tanzania–Zambia Copper Corridor brings much-needed relief to copper producers, transporters, and downstream industries across southern and eastern Africa. Beyond its immediate economic impact, the reopening highlights the importance of political stability and infrastructure resilience in maintaining Africa’s role as a dependable supplier of key industrial minerals. By securing this vital trade route, Tanzania and Zambia are reinforcing their joint position as central pillars in the continent’s mining and export landscape.

Mini-Glossary

• Copper Corridor: A major trade and transport route used for exporting copper and cobalt from Zambia and the DRC via Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port.
• Cobalt: A metallic element used in batteries, superalloys, and catalysts, critical for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
• Dar es Salaam Port: Tanzania’s largest port and a major logistics hub for East and Central Africa.
• Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA): The government agency responsible for customs and tax administration in Zambia.
• Backlogs: Accumulated goods or shipments delayed due to interruptions in transportation or processing.