ZRA, U.S. firm sign deal for X-ray scanners at Livingstone border

THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has signed a contract with California-based Astrophysics Inc. to install state-of-the-art X-ray cargo scanning technology at the Livingstone border post, one of Southern Africa’s busiest crossings.

The agreement was signed at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka by ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda and Astrophysics Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development Vincent Zayek. The ceremony was hosted by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Mich Coker and attended by senior Zambian government officials.

ZRA said the new equipment will allow officers to inspect cargo more efficiently, accurately and safely, cutting wait times for trucks while making it harder to move contraband, smuggled goods or dangerous materials across the border.

The Livingstone project builds on existing cooperation between Astrophysics and ZRA at the Nakonde border post. That facility was commissioned by President Hakainde Hichilema in June 2026 and is now fully operational.

Coker called the initiative a model for modern border security, saying it accelerates legitimate trade while closing avenues for abuse. He said the project supports Zambia’s priorities to strengthen revenue collection, improve the ease of doing business, and position the country as a secure hub for regional trade.