Regional freight movement across Southern Africa faces major disruption later this month after truck drivers’ unions from several SADC countries announced a coordinated boycott of transit through Zambia.
Seven drivers’ unions have formally notified the Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as all Southern African Development Community member states, of their intention to halt cross-border movement into Zambia on 23 February 2026 unless urgent intervention takes place.
At the centre of the dispute is Zambia’s enforcement of the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010, specifically Section 32, which requires foreign commercial drivers to purchase a ZK4,500 (R3,700) transit permit once they exceed a 90-day annual stay limit.
The unions argue that the regulation is being applied inconsistently and unfairly, resulting in denied entry, deportations, and job losses for non-Zambian drivers, while Zambian drivers reportedly continue to enjoy relatively unrestricted movement across neighbouring countries.
In their notification, the unions warned that the permit system is undermining regional trade and contradicting SADC’s goals of free movement and economic integration.
“The treatment foreign drivers in Zambia are facing is very unfair, while our Zambian brothers enjoy free movement in the region,” the letter states.
“Transit Permit is costing us jobs.”
Drivers insist they are essential workers responsible for moving food, fuel, medicine, and mining equipment across borders, and say the permit has become a barrier rather than a regulatory tool.
Read | Truck Drivers to Boycott Zambian Route From 16 December Over High Immigration Fees
Confusion Over the 90-Day Rule
One driver told SA Trucker that there is widespread confusion over how the 90-day limit is calculated.
“There is no straight way of counting the days. Sometimes they say it’s per calendar year, sometimes they say it’s one year from the date you enter. Different officers say different things, and drivers are punished for rules that are not clear.”
Multiple drivers echoed the concern, saying the lack of clarity has left many at risk of unexpected fines, permit demands, or removal from the country.
Planned Action at Zambian Border Posts
Drivers who spoke to SA Trucker confirmed that the planned action will involve foreign drivers stopping their trucks at all Zambian ports of entry, refusing to proceed until what they describe as a “permanent and fair solution” is reached.
They have also called on neighbouring governments to intervene diplomatically before the situation escalates.
The unions emphasised that the protest will be peaceful and lawful, and appealed to authorities not to treat drivers as security threats.
“Let not our colonial boundaries be our burden. We want free movement for all drivers across the region,” the statement reads.
Copies of the notification have been sent to immigration departments, transport ministries, police services, customs authorities, and regional security agencies across Southern Africa.
If unresolved, the boycott is expected to significantly disrupt freight movement along key regional corridors, with potential knock-on effects for supply chains, fuel distribution, and food security.
As the 23 February deadline approaches, pressure is mounting on Zambia and SADC leadership to intervene before trucks grind to a halt at the borders.
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