New Kasambabezi Border Post opens trade and tourism opportunities for Binga

The opening of the modernised Kasambabezi Border Post has been hailed as a historic milestone expected to transform trade, tourism and regional integration between Zimbabwe and Zambia under the Second Republic.


The newly upgraded facility, located in Binga District, is set to ease the movement of people and goods while creating fresh economic opportunities for communities on both sides of the border.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, said the development reflects Government’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing Vision 2030.

“Decades after Independence, the New Dispensation has transformed what was once an informal crossing into a fully fledged border post, creating a seamless gateway between Zimbabwe and Zambia,” Moyo said.

“Guided by the national foreign policy principle that Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none, the development is expected to unlock new markets, promote formal cross‑border trade and deepen economic cooperation with neighbouring countries.”

Moyo said the border post would significantly reduce travelling distances and costs for Binga residents who previously had to use the Victoria Falls route to formally access Zambia.

“The border post is a game changer. Previously, travellers from Binga were forced to travel approximately 320 kilometres via Victoria Falls to access Zambia through formal channels. Today, the distance has been reduced to less than 500 metres across the border, significantly cutting travel time and costs while creating new opportunities in commerce, tourism and public boat transport,” he said.

Binga District Development Coordinator Land Kabome said the development positions Binga to benefit from increased tourism and investment.

“The development showcases Binga’s immense tourism potential, including Zimbabwe’s largest sandy beach along Lake Kariba and the rich cultural heritage of the BaTonga people, positioning the district as an emerging regional tourism and investment destination,” Kabome said.

ZANU‑PF Matabeleland North Secretary for Information and Publicity, Daniel Sithole, said the commissioning of the border post demonstrates Government’s commitment to inclusive development.

“The commissioning of the modern Kasambabezi Border Post is a clear demonstration of the Second Republic’s commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that no community is left behind,” Sithole said.

“This facility will ease the movement of travellers, stimulate cross‑border trade and strengthen tourism between Binga and Zambia.”

Sithole also highlighted the near completion of a new Registry Office in Binga, now 95 percent complete, which will decentralise key public services such as birth registration, national identity documents and passport processing.

“These developments are restoring dignity and convenience to our people while bringing Government services closer to the communities they serve,” he said.

He added that local leaders remain hopeful that the rehabilitation of the Binga Road will soon receive attention under Government’s infrastructure development programme.

“As leaders, we remain confident that the rehabilitation of the Binga Road will also receive the necessary attention as Government continues implementing the ‘brick by brick’ development philosophy under President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2,” Sithole said.

Government has also intensified livelihood and climate resilience programmes in Binga District, including the establishment of four Village Business Units and the revitalisation of the Simatelele Irrigation Scheme.

Authorities say the projects, together with the new border post and ongoing decentralisation initiatives, are aimed at boosting food production, household incomes and modern infrastructure development as Zimbabwe works towards attaining upper middle‑income economy status by 2030, reinforcing broader national goals under Zimbabwe infrastructure development.