ZRL, SNCC, Harvestbridge Partner to Export Mealie Meal to DRC

Lusaka, Zambia – In a major boost for regional trade and cross-border rail cooperation, Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) and the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC) have begun transporting export mealie meal for Harvestbridge into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The first consignment was dispatched on Friday, 14th November 2025, marking a renewed chapter in Zambia DRC trade flows and a practical demonstration of joint railway operations between the two national carriers.

According to ZRL, the partnership leverages the seamless rail connectivity between Zambia and the DRC, enabling efficient movement of bulk commodities while reducing transport costs for exporters. The mealie meal is destined for Lubumbashi, one of the DRC’s largest commercial centres with a high demand for Zambian maize products.

The collaboration is expected to ease congestion at road borders, improve delivery timelines, and position rail transport as the preferred mode for large-scale exports. It also reflects growing confidence in ZRL’s freight capacity following sustained efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve service reliability.

Harvestbridge, the private-sector partner in the initiative, welcomed the commencement of rail exports, noting that the arrangement will support consistent supply to the Congolese market while opening opportunities for expanded trade volumes.

Industry observers say the development signals a promising step toward enhanced regional food security and deeper economic integration between Zambia and the DRC.

ZRL and SNCC have pledged continued cooperation to ensure smooth, safe, and timely delivery of all consignments as export shipments continue in the weeks ahead.