In a surprising twist, landlocked Zambia finds itself on the brink of a maritime revolution, poised to transform its economic landscape through strategic engagement with the blue economy. Contrary to conventional wisdom associating maritime endeavors solely with coastal nations, Zambia’s abundant inland waterways, including lakes, rivers, and dams, offer a unique avenue for maritime development. Leveraging international cooperation frameworks like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Zambia can transcend its landlocked status and emerge as a pivotal player in the maritime domain.
Drawing inspiration from other landlocked success stories such as Switzerland and Austria, Zambia is primed to redefine itself as ‘land-linked,’ capitalizing on its strategic geographic location and leveraging UNCLOS provisions to secure coastal access rights. Echoing Ethiopia’s quest for coastal access, Zambia recognizes the pivotal role of maritime governance in shaping regional dynamics, particularly in trade and resource exploitation. Central to Zambia’s maritime aspirations is the burgeoning demand for critical raw materials in the sustainable energy sector, including copper, cobalt, and lithium. With significant copper deposits, Zambia stands to reap substantial benefits from the planned Lobito Corridor, a transformative rail line linking the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia to the Atlantic Ocean via Angola’s Lobito Port. International partnerships, exemplified by the recent agreement between the United States, European Union, and the African Development Bank, underscore the global significance of Zambia’s maritime potential.
However, amidst the promise of economic prosperity lie geopolitical intricacies and potential risks. The renewed interest in the Lobito Corridor, viewed through the lens of US-China rivalry, highlights the complexities inherent in Zambia’s maritime ambitions. While China adopts an assertive stance through infrastructure projects and loans, the US emphasizes economic partnerships and investments, presenting Zambia with a delicate balancing act. Zambia’s strategic location positions it as a linchpin in regional trade corridors, offering a diplomatic avenue for engagement with both the US and China. President Hakainde Hichilema’s foreign policy underscores this pragmatic approach, seeking to harness Zambia’s economic and developmental goals while navigating geopolitical headwinds.
With abundant freshwater resources, Zambia holds the key to sustainable development in Southern Africa. However, effective governance of transboundary water bodies remains a challenge, necessitating adherence to international frameworks such as the UN Economic Commission for Europe Convention. Embracing a national blue economy strategy, Zambia aims to capitalize on biotechnology, environmental sustainability, and inland water transport, fostering a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental conservation. By aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area and prioritizing maritime connectivity, Zambia charts a course towards inclusive and sustainable development, transcending the extractive paradigm dominated by global powers.
In conclusion, Zambia’s maritime aspirations symbolize a paradigm shift in its developmental trajectory, offering a beacon of hope for sustainable growth in the heart of Africa. As the nation navigates the choppy waters of geopolitics, it must remain steadfast in its commitment to harnessing the blue economy for the collective prosperity of its people and the region at large.