The Project
The Project involves the rehabilitation and upgrading of the 371 km Mutanda to Kaoma Road, a road stretch that completes Zambia’s Western Corridor. The Project Highway will be upgraded to international bituminous standards. The road rehabilitation and construction will be executed in two primary sections: Mutanda to Kasempa (150 km) and Kasempa to Kaoma (221 km). The Project’s key components include the construction of three toll plazas, two weighbridges, and the upgrading of key bridges such as the Lalafuta and Chilombo Bridges. The road design will feature a bidirectional single carriageway with 3.5-meter-wide travel lanes, 2-meter surfaced shoulders and 0.3-meter gravel shoulders.
Our journey is defined by our unwavering commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community partnership. Every milestone achieved reflects our dedication to building infrastructure that lasts generations.
371 km
Total Corridor Length
2025
Target Completion
Project Scope & History
Scope of Work
The scope of work includes the establishment of a comprehensive tolling system with supporting infrastructure, comprising three toll plazas and two weighbridges along the corridor. It also involves the replacement of the Lalafuta and Luena bridges in Kaoma District, the construction of social infrastructure along the route, and the development of 20 kilometres of urban roads in two districts. The Project will connect to the Mongu–Sesheke route, completing Zambia's Western Corridor.
Brief History of the Project
On 21 March 2018, The Sponsors entered a 10-year maintenance contract with the Road Development Agency (RDA) for the Kaoma–Kasempa road. This arrangement ensured that BHL trucks, along with other road users, could utilise the road in a maintained gravel state. BHL has invested over $8 million in maintaining the stretch to keep it in a usable condition, underscoring the strategic importance and operational value of the route even before its formal proposed upgrade under the current concession. In 2023, after assessing the corridor's traffic potential, the Promoters resolved to upgrade the entire stretch to bituminous standard. Building on this decision, the Promoters submitted an unsolicited PPP proposal to the RDA on 16 February 2024. Following the evaluation, the RDA granted the Promoters preferred bidder status on 19 June 2024. This was followed by a 2–3-month period of intensive contract negotiations between the Project team and the relevant Government officials (the RDA), representatives from the Attorney General's Office, representatives from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and the PPP Unit. To deliver the concession, the Promoters incorporated the Special Purpose Vehicle, Barotse on 10 July 2024. This was followed by the signing of the Concession Agreement with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning on 1 December 2024 in Kasempa. The Project is now advancing through road design and other preparatory works. The Project's groundbreaking ceremony was on 31 October 2025 in Kasempa district of Northwestern Province.
Our Mission & Vision
Guided by clear principles and ambitious goals
Vision Statement
To transform Zambia’s Western Corridor into a world-class transport artery that catalyzes regional trade, economic growth, and sustainable development—by delivering resilient infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and empowering communities through inclusive, environmentally responsible, and economically viable road connectivity.
Mission Statement
To design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the Mutanda–Kaoma Road under a robust Public–Private Partnership model, delivering high-quality infrastructure that enhances regional trade, supports Zambia’s economic diversification, and improves mobility, safety, and livelihoods for communities along the Western Corridor—while upholding environmental sustainability, social equity, and international best practices.
Purpose
The purose of Barotse is to deliver the Mutanda–Kaoma Toll Road under a 25-year Public–Private Partnership (PPP) concession through a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established to execute the full lifecycle of the Project, design, build, finance, operate, maintain, and transfer. Barotse’s purpose is to serve as the legal and operational entity responsible for mobilizing capital, managing construction and operations, ensuring compliance with environmental and social standards, and coordinating stakeholder engagement. Through this structure, the Project aims to unlock regional trade, enhance Zambia’s infrastructure, and promote inclusive, sustainable development across the Western Corridor.
Our Commitment
We are committed to delivering the Western Corridor Project as a transformative infrastructure initiative that strengthens Zambia's regional connectivity, economic resilience, and social equity. Through Barotse our dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle,
Our commitment is to not only construct a road, but to create a corridor of opportunity, sustainability, and shared prosperity for Zambia and the region.
Our Core Values
Guiding principles that drive our commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure while creating lasting value for Zambia and the region.
Sustainability
Commitment to environmentally responsible infrastructure development, aligned with IFC Performance Standards and Zambia's Environmental Management Act.
Inclusivity & Equity
Ensuring fair resettlement, livelihood restoration, and meaningful stakeholder engagement, with special attention to vulnerable groups including women, youth, and informal land users.
Transparency & Accountability
Upholding clear governance, financial integrity, and public reporting mechanisms throughout the concession lifecycle.
Innovation & Efficiency
Leveraging modern tolling systems, weigh-in-motion technology, and smart project management tools to deliver high-quality infrastructure and services.
Local Empowerment
Promoting local content, employment, and capacity building through subcontracting to Zambian citizen contractors and suppliers.
Resilience & Adaptability
Designing infrastructure and financial models that respond to climate risks, traffic patterns, and evolving regional trade dynamics.
Safety & Reliability
Prioritizing road safety, asset durability, and operational excellence to protect users and maintain service levels.
Regional Integration
Supporting Zambia's role as a transport and logistics hub by connecting mining regions to key ports and trade corridors across SADC.
Leadership Team
Experienced professionals driving the Barotse Highway vision
CEO
Nicolaas Marthinus Janse van Rensburg
Buks is an experienced entrepreneur with over 30 years of leadership in logistics, transport, and agribusiness.
Director
Chris Dijkstra
Chris Dijkstra is a seasoned civil engineer and project management professional with extensive infrastructure experience.
By The Numbers
371km
Total Stretch
3
Toll Gates
2025
Start of Early Works
2027
Target Completion
20km
Urban Roads Planned