Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Reporter
CHIRUNDU Border Post modernisation is set to move into full-scale construction next month following successful financing arrangements, with the Government expecting the works to be completed within 18 months.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona yesterday said Chirundu Border Consortium, a private-sector partner implementing the project under a public-private partnership, was mobilising equipment on site, with major construction works expected to begin next month.
The project is part of the Government’s broader drive to modernise the country’s major border posts and strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a regional transport and logistics hub. This started with the highly successful reconstruction and major upgrade of the Beitbridge Border Post, again involving a consortium in a public-private-partnership.
“Chirundu Border Consortium is now mobilising at the site so that they start the real works, and according to the schedule, beginning of October it will be full throttle on the border modernisation. What you will be witnessing now is the movement of plant and the yellow machines on site, and thereafter they will start the real works, which we anticipate to be completed in 18 months,” said Minister Mhona.
The Government and CBC on Wednesday formally marked the achievement of securing the necessary financing arrangements and allowing the contractor to proceed with implementation.
Minister Mhona said infrastructure development, regional integration and border modernisation remained among Government’s priorities, with the Chirundu project following the successful redevelopment of the Beitbridge Border Post.
Under the agreed PPP framework, CBC will mobilise the capital required to develop and operate the upgraded border post.
Minister Mhona said the development would be undertaken in phases, beginning with the main border facilities before other amenities such as accommodation and associated infrastructure are addressed.
“This will be on a phased approach, where we concentrate on the modernisation of the border, just as we did at Beitbridge, where we focused on the actual border before dealing with other amenities. Beginning in October, we expect full-throttle works on the main border facilities, with the other components being incorporated as the project progresses,” he added.
Chirundu is a key gateway between Zimbabwe and Zambia and forms part of the North-South Corridor, which links major economic centres in Southern and Central Africa.
The modernisation is expected to replace ageing infrastructure and introduce improved operational systems aimed at reducing transit delays and facilitating the movement of passengers and freight.
The project follows the successful modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post, Zimbabwe’s busiest land border, which was redeveloped under a PPP at an estimated cost of about US$110 million.
The upgraded facility, commissioned by President Mnangagwa in 2023, introduced modern passenger and freight facilities, improved border-control systems and expanded infrastructure aimed at easing congestion and facilitating trade between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The Beitbridge redevelopment has since provided a model for Government’s wider programme to modernise major ports of entry through PPPs, with Chirundu now becoming the next major border modernisation project along the North-South Corridor.
The project partners said construction mobilisation was already well advanced, with engineering, procurement and construction contractors mobilised, while a batch plant was operational and various contractors already on site.
CBC chairman Mr Glynn Cohen said the financial close followed extensive collaboration between Government, the consortium, SAFAGA International and its financing, equity and technical partners.
“Financial close represents the culmination of extensive cooperation between the Government of Zimbabwe, CBC, SAFAGA International and our equity, financing and technical partners. SAFAGA is proud to have founded and sponsored this project, and we look forward to delivering a modern and efficient border post that will serve Zimbabwe and the wider region for generations,” he said.
Strategic investor Strategic Partners Group founder and group chief executive Mr Mzolisi Diliza said the project was aligned with its mandate of investing in infrastructure across Southern Africa.
“Achieving financial close on the Chirundu Border Post PPP is a landmark transaction for SPG, and we are excited to partner on this milestone concession. It aligns with our strategic mandate to invest in world-class infrastructure across Southern Africa and reinforces our ambition to pursue high-impact investment opportunities that drive regional trade and economic growth,” he said.
Standard Bank of South Africa, which acted as lead debt arranger and senior lender, said financial close reflected confidence in the project’s contractual framework and projected cash flows.
“Standard Bank of South Africa is pleased to have participated as lead debt arranger and senior lender on the Chirundu Border Post PPP project and to confirm the successful achievement of financial close.
“We regard the project as a critical driver for regional integration and trade facilitation across the corridor and look forward to supporting the concessionaire, sponsors and Government partners through construction and into long-term operations,” said Energy and Infrastructure Finance executive, Mr George Kotsovos.
Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe chief executive Mr Solomon Nyanhongo said the milestone demonstrated the potential of well-structured PPPs to attract private investment into strategic infrastructure.
“Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe welcomes the successful achievement of financial close for the Chirundu Border Post upgrade and modernisation, a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development journey. It is also a testament to the potential of well-structured public-private partnerships to attract private-sector investment into nationally strategic projects,” he said
The upgraded Chirundu facility is expected to improve the efficiency and security of cross-border passenger and freight movement while supporting increased trade along the corridor.
