Under a public-private partnership model, the reconfiguration of the transport routes will restructure the country’s transport infrastructure to the gain of tourism, mining, logistics, and trade.
UPGRADES to infrastructure in Zimbabwe are expected to bolster economic growth, especially along the delivery corridors Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway and the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Road.
These strategic transport routes are crucial to domestic and international trade.
Under a public-private partnership model, the reconfiguration of the transport routes will restructure the country’s transport infrastructure to the gain of tourism, mining, logistics, and trade.
Transforming the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway into a safer and more efficient route
The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway is a major trade artery, stretching 438 kilometres and connecting Zimbabwe’s industrial hub with its tourism capital, Victoria Falls, as well as regional markets in Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. Over the years, the highway has suffered from potholes, narrow lanes, and general wear and tear, leading to frequent accidents and transport delays. The comprehensive rehabilitation of the highway aims to address these issues, creating a safer, faster and more commercially vibrant corridor.
The highway modernisation project is a critical part of Zimbabwe’s efforts to improve infrastructure as a whole, in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). By improving connectivity between key economic zones, such as Bulawayo, Hwange and Victoria Falls, the project aims to enhance trade and tourism, which are essential for the country’s long-term economic development.
Economic and tourism impact of the highway overhaul
The rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway is expected to provide a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly by enhancing logistics efficiency and attracting private sector investment.
Improved road infrastructure is a major factor in reducing travel time, increasing safety, and improving the flow of goods and services.
This, in turn, will have positive effects on key industries such as mining, manufacturing, and tourism.
The country’s tourism sector, in particular, stands to benefit significantly from the improved highway. Victoria Falls, a Unesco World Heritage site, is one of Zimbabwe’s primary tourist destinations, drawing visitors from around the world for its natural beauty and adventure tourism opportunities. With better roads, visitors will have a smoother journey to one of the world’s most famous natural attractions, making the experience more appealing for international tourists.
Tourism experts are optimistic that the modernised highway will open up new avenues for the hospitality sector. The improved connectivity between Victoria Falls and other key tourism destinations in the region will enhance the overall visitor experience, making Zimbabwe a more attractive travel route within Southern Africa. As tourists will be able to travel more efficiently, they are also likely to extend their stays, which will directly benefit local businesses, including hotels, restaurants and tour operators.
Strengthening regional integration and trade opportunities
In addition to its tourism benefits, the upgraded Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway will strengthen Zimbabwe’s regional connectivity by linking the country’s key economic centres with neighbouring countries in Southern Africa.
Cross-border trade is expected to increase significantly as the highway facilitates the smooth movement of goods between Zimbabwe and its neighbours, including Botswana, Zambia and Namibia.
The modernised highway will enhance access to vital export markets for products such as coal and cement, produced in Hwange and other industrial zones.
Zimbabwe’s mining industry, a significant contributor to the national economy, will also benefit from the improved infrastructure, as it will become easier and faster to transport resources to both domestic and export markets. Economists predict that this project will lead to lower transport costs, higher freight efficiency, and the expansion of business activities across various industries.
Government support and private sector collaboration
The Zimbabwean government is committed to using public-private partnerships to accelerate the rehabilitation of key transport routes.
According to David Jana, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development’s chief director of roads, highway modernisation is at the core of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure renewal agenda.
He noted that improving road networks along the southern corridor will contribute to greater logistics efficiency and attract investment from the private sector.
Transport minister Felix Mhona reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the infrastructure overhaul and emphasised that strategic projects, such as the Beitbridge-Harare Road Rehabilitation, Beitbridge Border Post Modernisation and Mbudzi Interchange Project, have already yielded positive results. These projects have increased trade volumes and further integrated Zimbabwe into regional and global markets.
Coal mining collaboration and railway upgrades
To complement the road improvements, the Zimbabwean government has encouraged coal mining companies in Hwange to help rehabilitate the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls railway line. This initiative is expected to alleviate road congestion, lower maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of both the railway and the highway network.
A revitalised rail system will also contribute to more efficient transportation of goods, particularly coal, which is one of Zimbabwe’s key exports.
National Railways of Zimbabwe is central to the national transport system, and efforts to modernise its tracks, signalling systems and rolling stock are crucial to ensuring the future efficiency of the country’s transportation networks.
Upgrades to the railway system will complement road improvements, providing an alternative mode of transport that can handle heavy freight while reducing the pressure on the road network.
Long-term vision: Turning Zimbabwe into a land-linked hub
Zimbabwe’s infrastructure initiatives are part of a broader plan to transform the country from a landlocked to a land-linked nation. This shift will facilitate regional economic integration and create new trade and investment opportunities. As Zimbabwe enhances its transport infrastructure, it aims to position itself as a central hub for logistics and commerce within Southern Africa.
Mhona emphasised that Zimbabwe’s strategic location makes it a critical link between major markets in Africa and beyond. By improving road networks, railways and border post facilities, the country is unlocking new trade and economic opportunities for both domestic businesses and international investors.
A bright future for Zimbabwe’s economy and tourism
For Zimbabwe, upgrading the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway is an important part of the highway modernisation project. Improvements on the highway will help the country become a safe, cost-effective and reliable access point to key tourist sites. Improved accessibility will benefit the mining, manufacturing and tourism industries and encourage economic growth.
Equipped with regional connectivity and sizeable infrastructure, Zimbabwe is ready to reap the rewards of trade, tourism and investment, thereby boosting the economy and helping to fulfill Vision 2030 of attaining an upper-middle-income economy. In that light, investment in the highway, along with other planned infrastructure, is a beacon of hope and signals a bright future for Zimbabwe and the region.
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