Zimbabwe adopts sustainable financing model for Harare–Chirundu Highway rehabilitation

Upgraded highway section Zimbabwe infrastructure development

HARARE — The Zimbabwean government has adopted a sustainable financing model to fast-track the rehabilitation of the 356-kilometre Harare–Chirundu Highway, a key regional trade corridor linking Zimbabwe to Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The major infrastructure upgrade is expected to improve road safety, reduce transit times and boost cross-border trade along one of Southern Africa’s busiest transport routes.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the new funding structure is designed to ensure project continuity and avoid delays that have historically affected large-scale roadworks.

“We have now put in place a funding model that ensures that when we start, we do not stop. We are targeting about 18 months to complete the project, and currently finalising financial modalities for contractors to fully move on site,” Mhona said.

To date, 26 kilometres of the highway have been rehabilitated with support from the Government of Japan, a development that has been welcomed by transport operators and businesses along the route. According to the African Development Bank, efficient transport corridors are critical for regional integration and economic growth, particularly for land-linked countries such as Zimbabwe that depend heavily on road freight.

Local logistics operator Tawanda Moyo, who regularly uses the route, said the improvements are already noticeable.

“The rehabilitated sections are smoother and safer. If the whole road is upgraded to that standard, it will significantly cut travel time and vehicle maintenance costs,” he said.

Authorities confirmed that contractors currently deployed along the highway will continue maintenance works to improve trafficability while awaiting full-scale mobilisation. The highway is part of the North–South Corridor, a major trade route connecting ports in South Africa to inland markets in Central Africa. Experts say upgrading the road will enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as a transit hub.

Infrastructure analyst Engineer Tafadzwa Chikowore said the financing approach reflects a shift towards blended funding models.

“Combining Treasury funding, private sector investment and development partner support reduces fiscal pressure while ensuring long-term sustainability of infrastructure projects,” he said.

Government has also announced plans to modernise the Chirundu Border Post starting in June, aligning it with upgrades at the Beitbridge Border Post. The planned improvements include upgrading tollgates into modern plazas and installing weighbridges to curb overloading a major contributor to road damage.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the Harare–Chirundu Highway project forms part of a wider national infrastructure development programme.

“Infrastructure upgrading and development projects are steadily progressing through innovative funding models by Treasury, private sector financing, as well as support from development partners,” he said.

The President added that priority projects include the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, upgrades to border posts such as Forbes, and construction of urban interchanges, including the recently completed Trabablas Interchange in Harare.

Economists say the rehabilitation of the Harare–Chirundu Highway will play a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of goods and people, reducing transport costs and strengthening regional supply chains. The corridor is particularly important for trade between Zimbabwe and its northern neighbours, serving as a gateway to Central African markets. With full construction expected to begin once financing arrangements are finalised, the project signals renewed momentum in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development agenda with long-term benefits for trade, logistics and economic growth.

Harare Chirundu Highway rehabilitation