Zambia and Congo reopen their border after resolving a trade dispute

Zambia and Congo agreed to reopen their border on Monday after resolving a trade dispute between the countries that led to Zambia closing the border over the weekend.

“The Zambian party informed the Congolese party that the border will be reopened, to allow the free movement of people and goods between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Zambia,” said the ministers of commerce of the two countries in a joint statement.

Zambia's commerce, trade and industry minister Chipoka Mulenga had met with Congolese officials in Lubumbashi near the border.

Zambia announced on Sunday it had closed its border with its northern neighbour after Congo imposed a ban on the import of soft drinks and beer from Zambia. That resulted in protests by Congolese truckers near the border town of Kasumbalesa. Zambian business groups also criticized the ban.

The Zambian Association of Manufacturers said it could set a “dangerous precedent for future trade relations.”

Zambia's decision to shut its border threatened Congo's ability to export its minerals. Landlocked Congo has huge gold, copper and cobalt reserves in its mineral-rich east. Much of it passes through Zambia on its way to the coast for shipping.

Congo is by far the world's biggest producer of cobalt, which is in high demand and used in batteries that power electric vehicles, smartphones and computers.

Zambia is also a key gateway for Congo's imports.

Congo's trade ministry said it had not received a formal complaint from Zambia before the border was closed and questioned the move. It said it hoped the talks in Lubumbashi would result in "a lasting solution."