Economy / Zimbabwe
The road to economic revival
Landlocked in the middle of southern africa’s trade routes, zimbabwe’s road and rail network needs an urgent overhaul
Acacia trees along the Kazungula road at the border with Botswana along the Zambezi drive.
W hether it is South African petroleum destined for the Congo or Botswana rice heading to Mozambique, trucks transporting some of the South African Development Community’s (SADC) $72 billion worth of intra-regional trade must pass through Zimbabwe. While landlocked, the country borders five SADC members and its 85,208 km of roads are some of its arteries.
Chronic underinvestment however has left this road network in an extremely poor condition and like many, truck driver Fungai Makichi experiences delays. “Under normal circumstances, I should spend only six hours on the Harae-Beitbridge route, however I spend 10 to 11 hours due to its condition.”
Efforts to improve the country’s infrastructure have begun and Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) is playing a major role. Acting CEO, Moses Juma said, “ZINARA is currently upgrading the main national network. Progress can be seen with the successful rehabilitation of one of the main routes: The Harare – Bulawayo road that unites our two largest cities. This is a key corridor.”
The Ministry of Transport estimates that $5 billion is required for the reconstruction of major highways estimated at $300,000 per km. The rail network is also in urgent need of a $2 billion redevelopment. With ZINARA only registering a turnover of $133 million in 2014, attracting foreign investment is essential. Former Transport Minister, now Minister of Investment, Obert Mpofu said, “There is huge potential for cooperation with Chinese companies, particularly due to Zimbabwe’s geographical location as it is a natural transport hub in the region.”
Mpofu said the government is finalizing a joint venture bill that will add transparency to government-private sector partnerships. He added, “It’s a win-win relationship. As trade relations grow, more avenues of economic cooperation will be explored.”
