dyton mupawaenda
Business Reporter
THE Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) has completed phases 1 and 2 of its Kanyemba Zambezi Lodges project, marking a significant milestone in the development of the border town at the northernmost tip of Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland Central province.
The Kanyemba Corridor starts in Harare and ends at the corner of the confluence of the borders between Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
It is situated where the Zambezi and Luangwa rivers meet, connecting three countries.
It holds immense potential for commerce, trade and tourism.
Plans are underway to develop it as a smart city.
The three nations also plan a “Y” bridge on the confluence of the Zambezi River, which forms the boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia to the north, and the Luangwa River, which separates Zambia and Mozambique to the east.
Given Zimbabwe’s strategic location as a regional transport corridor, the “Y” bridge would critically reduce the distance for traversing the North-South Corridor by about 650 kilometres.
Phase 1 of IDBZ’s project involved the refurbishment of three chalets, installation of an off-grid solar system and a water abstraction and filtration system.
The upgrades have enhanced the lodges’ amenities, making them an attractive option for tourists and travellers.
“During 2024, the IDBZ made significant progress by completing the implementation of three projects and embarking on the development of additional initiatives in its strategic focus areas.
“In Kanyemba, Mbire district, Mashonaland Central province, Kanyemba Zambezi Lodges phases 1 and 2 attained 100 percent completion,” said IDBZ chief executive officer Mr Zondo Sakala in the bank’s financials for the year ended December 31, 2024.
“The project’s phase 1 delivered three lodges with a capacity of seven beds, a dining room and a 40-seater conference centre.
“Phase 2 delivered an additional three lodges with a capacity of nine beds, bringing the total capacity to 16 beds.”
IDBZ also revealed it continues to receive capital injection support from the Government, bolstering the bank’s balance sheet and ability to support identified key infrastructure projects.
Last year, it received a cash injection of ZiG6 billion in the second quarter and US$10 million in Treasury Bills issued in the fourth quarter.
In the 2025 National Budget, IDBZ was allocated ZiG150 million for capitalisation, and this has gone a long way in enhancing the bank’s core capital position, which closed the year at a level equivalent to US$26,5 million.
Transformation
Despite its vast tourism and economic potential, Kanyemba remains largely underdeveloped, while a significant part of the road network after Mahuwe, a small town at the foot of the Zambezi escarpment and about 200 kilometres from Harare, is not in good condition to match the region’s growth and development potential.
However, IDBZ’s Kanyemba Zambezi Lodges project is poised to become key to the region’s tourism industry.
Local communities are expected to benefit from increased economic activity, job creation and improved infrastructure.
It is believed the Kanyemba border area, with a total 3 000 hectares spanning 15 kilometres, has the potential to become a key economic hub like Beitbridge, Chirundu and Plumtree border posts if fully developed.
There is potential for residential and commercial stands, as well as recreational facilities.
A portion of land is designated for the construction of critical infrastructure such as warehouses, banks and hospitals.
Key infrastructure projects, including the construction of a road that links Zimbabwe and Zambia, have already begun.
The Government, along with Zambia and Mozambique, has already initiated feasibility studies to construct the “Y” bridge (between Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique).
A pontoon and a landing bay are currently being used to facilitate movement across the Zambezi and Luangwa rivers into Zambia and Mozambique, and vice versa.
The move is expected to unlock the full value of the Kanyemba region and the rest of Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Valley, which shares borders with Mozambique to the east and Zambia to the north.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa recently said Kanyemba requires vigorous marketing and development to realise its full potential as a tourism and logistical hub.
“The issue is to enable this destination to contribute meaningfully both as a tourist destination and a logistics hub. We have been underselling Kanyemba as a tourism destination; we have to do everything we can to push these tourism products for Zimbabwe to realise a boom in tourism revenue,” said Dr Munyanyiwa.
Kanyemba’s proximity to the upper reaches of Lake Cahora Bassa, Zambezi’s second-largest hydroelectricity generation facility, adds to its enduring allure and potential.
Located on the Zambezi River floodplain, the area surrounding Kanyemba is characterised by a mix of lodges, fisheries and a number of holiday homes.
Its scenery makes Kanyemba an attractive destination for tourists seeking a serene experience.
The border town’s remote location, coupled with its natural beauty, presents opportunities for eco-tourism development, fishing and other recreational activities that can benefit the local community and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
Online Reporter