Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
As one drives north out of Harare towards Bindura, a striking transformation emerges on the horizon.
Where a mountain once towered imposingly over the landscape, there now lies a wide, freshly carved path flanked by massive rocks, evidence of human will shaping nature in pursuit of progress.
To the west, a steep valley plunges into thick woodland.
On the other side, a bold path of development cuts forward.
This is the Harare-Mazowe highway, now undergoing a major upgrade into a dual carriageway as part of the second phase of the Harare-Mazowe dualisation.
But this is more than a road project, it is a critical artery in Zimbabwe’s march towards Vision 2030 and the development of a new administrative capital.
The dual carriageway promises safer, faster travel and new economic lifelines for communities along the route.
According to deputy director of roads construction in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Virginia Mazvita Mawere, the stretch from Harare to Henderson is expected to be completed by October.
Construction has already extended 8km beyond the Mvurwi turn-off and an additional kilometre towards Bindura.
She said there are plans to relocate the Eskbank tollgate and replace it with two strategically positioned toll points to align with the expanded network.
This infrastructural overhaul is breathing new life into Mazowe, now a hive of economic activity.
With the new Parliament building complete and roadworks accelerating, development is no longer a distant promise, it is a lived reality for residents.
The emerging administrative capital is expected to house up to 1,5 million residents and ease congestion in Harare.
As its foundations rise, Zimbabwe is drawing inspiration and support from continental partners, most notably Egypt. Just like Zimbabwe, Egypt is also developing a new administrative capital.
Its first phase, which includes the relocation of government ministries and foreign embassies, is nearing completion.
A recent Zimbabwean delegation visit to Cairo culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation in infrastructure and urban development.
Speaking in an interview, Egypt’s Ambassador and Director of the North Africa Regional Office Mohamed Higazy commended President Mnangagwa’s commitment and Zimbabwe’s depth of knowledge in driving such a transformative project.
“Zimbabwe can make rapid progress,” said Ambassador Higazy.
“We have resident engineers in Harare exchanging knowledge with their Zimbabwean counterparts.
“Egypt has an open-door policy to share our experience in new capital construction and urban planning.”
He underscored the importance of intra-African collaboration in both infrastructure and financing, referencing Egypt’s hosting of African housing ministers during the World Urban Forum 12 last November.
“We are currently working with several African nations to introduce Egypt’s urban strategy to the continent,” he said.
Ambassador Higazy expressed hope that his call for the first African contractors’ summit in Egypt would lead to the formation of a Pan-African construction consortium.
“This could benefit not only Zimbabwe but also the reconstruction of Gaza, Sudan, Libya and Syria,” he said.
“Why should we leave these opportunities to foreign companies when African nations possess immense capabilities?”
He also outlined Egypt’s Vision 2030, which centres on sustainable infrastructure and quality of life improvements.
“We aim to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Our infrastructure is our lifeblood, road development alone has attracted US$75,97 billion in investment, connecting over 7 000 kilometres of roads across Egypt.”
Egypt’s new desert-based smart city is fast becoming an investment magnet, powered by advanced telecom systems, modern transport and green infrastructure.
Deputy Director of Government Coordination at Egypt’s Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD) Mrs Reham Ghonemy said cooperation with African nations is already underway under a memorandum of understanding on smart infrastructure.
“We’re exchanging ideas with Zambia and Zimbabwe, driven by our pride in African civilisation,” she said.
“The first phase of our administrative capital, housing all cabinet ministries and key authorities, began in 2019 and is now 70 percent complete.”
Cairo’s smart city will feature one of the world’s largest museums, a grand cathedral, energy-efficient buildings, upgraded water and sanitation infrastructure and cutting-edge transportation systems.
It will also be home to one of the world’s largest museums and a grand cathedral.
From the sculpting of mountains in Mazowe to the rise of smart cities in the Egyptian desert, the Zimbabwe-Egypt partnership is forging a compelling model of African-led development, one that is grounded in shared vision, mutual expertise and the unwavering belief in the continent’s potential.
Charles Duri