Plans by Zim to join the Trans-Kalahari Corridor at an advanced stage

Freeman Razemba

Senior Reporter

Plans by Zimbabwe to join the Trans-Kalahari Corridor (TKC), a transport and trade route of significance in the SADC region, are now at an advanced stage.

Speaking at a consultative meeting on the TKC, in Harare on Monday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Makumbe, said Zimbabwe has been closely following the commendable work of the corridor through the Secretariat, in promoting and facilitating the utilisation of the designated routes, and is keen to contribute and benefit from this vital initiative.

“As a proponent of regional integration and the promotion of the movement of goods across borders, the Government of Zimbabwe, through the various Government institutions here present, intends to promote the use of the corridor and provide a competitive and efficient route to the general populace of Zimbabwe.

“This aligns with the Government’s strategic vision and thrust towards promotion of regional infrastructure and services in Southern Africa,” said Eng Makumbe.

She said joining the TKC is a critical step towards implementing the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, the SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan and fully leveraging the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Eng Makumbe said the TKC will provide a direct and cost-effective logistics route to the Atlantic Ocean.

“This is a game-changer for our key economic sectors, including mining, agriculture and manufacturing by providing an alternative to traditional and often congested eastern routes,” she said.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which focuses on modernising infrastructure, promoting seamless transport and transit systems, promoting trade facilitation and attracting foreign direct investment to achieve an upper-middle-income economy. The corridor will be a catalyst for job creation and industrial development.”

She said that since a project of this scale requires innovative financing, Zimbabwe is open to exploring various funding models, including public-private partnerships (PPPs) and securing support from regional and international financial institutions.

“At this juncture we stand guided by the Trans-Kalahari Corridor Secretariat on the requirements. However I propose as Zimbabwe, going forward, we should be prepared to form a National Committee to look into this project and as we are given the green light by the existing Member States, we then propose a Joint Technical Committee with our counterparts from Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa to develop a roadmap for Zimbabwe’s official accession. This committee should have clear deliverables and timelines.”

TKC Secretariat executive director Mr Leslie Mpofu, applauded Zimbabwe for its plans to join the corridor and gave an overview of its roles.

“Today, we are meeting with the stakeholders in Zimbabwe to actually give them an overview of what the TKC is and what TKC is doing. Zimbabwe has an interest in being part of TKC. Currently, the TKC comprises Botswana, Namibia and South Africa,” he said.

Mr Mpofu said the TKC is engaged in several activities to facilitate trade and ensure smooth movement of goods and persons between the TKC member states and throughout the SADC region.