Zimbabwe, Zambia sign US$2bn rail deal

Zimbabwe and Zambia have signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of the Lion's Den–Kafue railway, a major infrastructure project valued at over US$2 billion.

The planned rail line will stretch 311km, with 217km on the Zimbabwean side and 94km in Zambia, alongside 445km of rehabilitation works on existing infrastructure.

Once completed, the corridor is expected to significantly improve regional trade efficiency by shortening key freight routes. Distances to Beira will be reduced by 800km, to South Africa by about 1,000km, and to Dar es Salaam by roughly 500km.

The project is seen as a strategic step in enhancing cross-border logistics, lowering transport costs, and strengthening trade links across Southern and Eastern Africa.