Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya [email protected]
THE opening of a new duty-free shop at Beitbridge Border Post marks another milestone in Government’s drive to transform the border town into a world-class trade and logistics hub.
The US$1,5 million Baobab Duty Free outlet, officially opened on Saturday, is expected to stimulate investment, improve traveller experience and create jobs, reinforcing the impact of the ongoing US$300 million border modernisation programme.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Albert Nguluvhe, said the development reflects growing private sector confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic prospects and aligns with broader infrastructure upgrades being implemented in partnership with the Zimborders Consortium.
“The opening of Baobab Duty Free fits well into the Beitbridge modernisation that has been done by Government and the Zimborders Consortium. This is exactly the kind of private sector investment we want to see riding on the back of improved border infrastructure,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said the border has undergone a major transformation in recent years, with upgrades to terminal buildings, information and communication technology systems and traffic flow infrastructure significantly improving efficiency.
“Beitbridge is no longer just a border. It is a business gateway. These facilities create jobs, improve traveller experience and ensure Zimbabwe benefits from its strategic location,” he said.
The duty-free shop is also set for further expansion, with its parent company committing an additional US$3 million investment over the next five years, a move expected to deepen commercial activity at the border post.
Baobab Duty Free director, Mr Max Rivetti, said the investment reflects long-term confidence in Zimbabwe’s growth trajectory.
“To date, we have invested over US$1,5 million into activating this space — not just as a once-off project, but as a long-term commitment to this precinct, this province and Zimbabwe as a whole,” he said.
“Over the next five years, we plan to invest up to US$3 million into growing this operation, while creating between 50 and 70 local jobs here in Beitbridge.”
The jobs are expected to benefit local communities through employment creation and skills development, further boosting the town’s economic prospects.
Zimborders Consortium general manager, Mr Nqobile Ncube, said the reopening of the duty-free facility enhances convenience for travellers passing through one of the region’s busiest border posts.
“The fact that our colleagues have put an eatery, a place to sit and so on adds to the quality convenience at this huge complex,” he said.
Strategically located on the North-South Corridor, Beitbridge handles the bulk of regional cargo and passenger traffic within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), making it a critical gateway for trade and travel.
The continued investments at the border are key to unlocking Zimbabwe’s position as a regional logistics hub, improving ease of doing business and supporting economic growth under national development frameworks.
