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Zimbabwe's southern corridor highway overhaul
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The rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway and the proposed upgrade of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo road under a public-private partnership (PPP) model are set to accelerate economic growth along Zimbabwe's southern corridor, boosting trade, tourism, mining, and logistics while deepening regional integration.
Stretching 438 kilometres, the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway serves as a crucial trade artery connecting the country's industrial hub to its tourism capital and regional markets in Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. The route is a key component of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls corridor, which underpins the Government's efforts to modernise infrastructure in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
For years, the road has suffered extensive damage from potholes and narrow lanes, contributing to accidents and transport delays. Its comprehensive rehabilitation is expected to transform it into a safer, faster, and more commercially vibrant corridor.
Speaking at the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference (AfriConfex) held in Bulawayo last week, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development's chief director of roads, Engineer David Jana, said highway modernisation was a cornerstone of Zimbabwe's infrastructure renewal agenda.
"Improved road infrastructure along the southern corridor will boost logistics efficiency and attract private sector investment," said Eng Jana. "Once fully modernised, the highway will significantly reduce travel time, enhance safety and improve connectivity between major economic zones such as Bulawayo, Hwange and Victoria Falls."
Eng Jana noted that under NDS2, the Government would prioritise PPP models to accelerate road upgrades. He added that the successful modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post and ongoing works on the Harare-Beitbridge highway have already increased trade volumes along the North-South Corridor.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona reaffirmed the Government's commitment to completing strategic infrastructure projects that directly benefit citizens.
"This has worked for the Beitbridge-Harare Road Rehabilitation Project, Beitbridge Border Post Modernisation, and the Mbudzi Interchange Project," said Minister Mhona. "We are upbeat that the success story of NDS1 will continue as we enter the NDS2 phase."
He emphasised that Zimbabwe's infrastructure drive is anchored on regional connectivity and positioning the country as a "land-linked hub".
"Zimbabwe is transforming from a landlocked nation into a land-linked regional hub as we unlock new trade and economic opportunities," said Minister Mhona. "Our strategic location makes us a critical link between major markets, facilitating trade and economic integration in the region."
Economists say the project will have a multiplier effect across industries. Trade economist Dr Ndabezitha Sithole described the highway as an "economic lifeline" for Zimbabwe.
"Once complete, we will see increased freight efficiency, lower transport costs and expanded business activity, particularly in mining, manufacturing and tourism," he said. "Improved connectivity will allow coal and cement producers in Hwange to access both domestic and export markets more efficiently."
He added that highway modernisation would create new economic nodes and stimulate small and medium enterprise growth along the route.
Tourism experts also expect significant benefits. Wild Net Safari operations manager, Ms Brenda Phiri, said the upgraded highway would unlock massive potential for the hospitality sector.
"Seamless connectivity enhances the visitor experience and strengthens Zimbabwe's position as a world-class destination," she said. "Modernising the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway will make Zimbabwe a preferred trade and tourism route in Southern Africa."
The initiative also aligns with the Government's devolution agenda, ensuring that communities in Lupane, Dete and Hwange benefit through better access to markets, healthcare and education.
Meanwhile, the Government has encouraged coal mining companies in Hwange to assist in rehabilitating the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls railway line to complement the highway project. Economists say this would reduce road congestion, lower maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of the upgraded road network.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) remains central to the national transport system, with plans to upgrade tracks, signalling systems and rolling stock. Despite its vast 3 000-3 400 km network, NRZ's efficiency has been hampered by ageing infrastructure and vandalism.
Upon completion, the modernised Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway will form a vital link between Zimbabwe's industrial, mining and tourism centres, connecting them to regional markets and turning the southern corridor into a vibrant economic belt — a critical step toward achieving Vision 2030's goal of an upper-middle-income economy.
Stretching 438 kilometres, the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway serves as a crucial trade artery connecting the country's industrial hub to its tourism capital and regional markets in Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. The route is a key component of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls corridor, which underpins the Government's efforts to modernise infrastructure in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
For years, the road has suffered extensive damage from potholes and narrow lanes, contributing to accidents and transport delays. Its comprehensive rehabilitation is expected to transform it into a safer, faster, and more commercially vibrant corridor.
Speaking at the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference (AfriConfex) held in Bulawayo last week, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development's chief director of roads, Engineer David Jana, said highway modernisation was a cornerstone of Zimbabwe's infrastructure renewal agenda.
"Improved road infrastructure along the southern corridor will boost logistics efficiency and attract private sector investment," said Eng Jana. "Once fully modernised, the highway will significantly reduce travel time, enhance safety and improve connectivity between major economic zones such as Bulawayo, Hwange and Victoria Falls."
Eng Jana noted that under NDS2, the Government would prioritise PPP models to accelerate road upgrades. He added that the successful modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post and ongoing works on the Harare-Beitbridge highway have already increased trade volumes along the North-South Corridor.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona reaffirmed the Government's commitment to completing strategic infrastructure projects that directly benefit citizens.
"This has worked for the Beitbridge-Harare Road Rehabilitation Project, Beitbridge Border Post Modernisation, and the Mbudzi Interchange Project," said Minister Mhona. "We are upbeat that the success story of NDS1 will continue as we enter the NDS2 phase."
He emphasised that Zimbabwe's infrastructure drive is anchored on regional connectivity and positioning the country as a "land-linked hub".
"Zimbabwe is transforming from a landlocked nation into a land-linked regional hub as we unlock new trade and economic opportunities," said Minister Mhona. "Our strategic location makes us a critical link between major markets, facilitating trade and economic integration in the region."
Economists say the project will have a multiplier effect across industries. Trade economist Dr Ndabezitha Sithole described the highway as an "economic lifeline" for Zimbabwe.
"Once complete, we will see increased freight efficiency, lower transport costs and expanded business activity, particularly in mining, manufacturing and tourism," he said. "Improved connectivity will allow coal and cement producers in Hwange to access both domestic and export markets more efficiently."
He added that highway modernisation would create new economic nodes and stimulate small and medium enterprise growth along the route.
Tourism experts also expect significant benefits. Wild Net Safari operations manager, Ms Brenda Phiri, said the upgraded highway would unlock massive potential for the hospitality sector.
"Seamless connectivity enhances the visitor experience and strengthens Zimbabwe's position as a world-class destination," she said. "Modernising the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway will make Zimbabwe a preferred trade and tourism route in Southern Africa."
The initiative also aligns with the Government's devolution agenda, ensuring that communities in Lupane, Dete and Hwange benefit through better access to markets, healthcare and education.
Meanwhile, the Government has encouraged coal mining companies in Hwange to assist in rehabilitating the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls railway line to complement the highway project. Economists say this would reduce road congestion, lower maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of the upgraded road network.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) remains central to the national transport system, with plans to upgrade tracks, signalling systems and rolling stock. Despite its vast 3 000-3 400 km network, NRZ's efficiency has been hampered by ageing infrastructure and vandalism.
Upon completion, the modernised Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway will form a vital link between Zimbabwe's industrial, mining and tourism centres, connecting them to regional markets and turning the southern corridor into a vibrant economic belt — a critical step toward achieving Vision 2030's goal of an upper-middle-income economy.
Source - the chronicle
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