Agreement with US-based Astrophysics aims to speed cargo inspections and strengthen efforts against smuggling and contraband…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Zambia has signed a contract with US-based Astrophysics Inc. to equip the Livingstone border post with advanced X-ray cargo scanning technology, in a move aimed at strengthening border security and facilitating regional trade.
The agreement between Astrophysics Inc., based in City of Industry, California, and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) will provide customs officials with technology to inspect cargo more efficiently, accurately and safely.
The Livingstone crossing is one of Southern Africa’s busiest border points. The new scanners are expected to reduce waiting times for trucks and cargo while helping authorities detect contraband, smuggled goods and potentially dangerous materials.
The agreement builds on existing cooperation between Astrophysics and ZRA at the Nakonde border post, which was commissioned by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in June 2026 and is now operational.
Astrophysics Vice President of Human Resources and Organisational Development Vincent Zayek and ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda signed the contract at the US Embassy in Zambia during a ceremony hosted by Chargé d’Affaires Mich Coker.
Senior Zambian government officials also attended the ceremony.
Coker described the initiative as a model for modern border security, saying technology could help accelerate legitimate trade while making it harder for illicit goods to cross borders.
He said the project supports Zambia’s priorities of strengthening domestic revenue collection, improving the ease of doing business and positioning the country as a secure and reliable regional trade hub.
“American companies deliver not just best-in-world technology, innovation, and equipment, but an unrivaled standard of quality, of transparency, and of long-term partnership rather than a one-time transaction,” Coker said.
The US Embassy praised Astrophysics for winning the tender on its merits and said the company would now deliver, install and support the scanning technology at Livingstone.
US Embassy Zambia Senior Commercial Officer Kully Nelson described Astrophysics as a world-class company specialising in X-ray and inspection technology for vehicles, trucks and cargo containers.
Coker also commended the ZRA for conducting a transparent procurement process and advancing the modernisation of Zambia’s customs and border operations.
He said the project demonstrated how government-to-government and business-to-government cooperation could deliver tangible benefits for citizens while strengthening trade and security.
The US Embassy said the scanners represented more than sophisticated inspection technology, describing the project as a reflection of Washington’s broader commitment to partnership with Zambia in trade, security and economic development.
