Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
Zimbabwe intensified its infrastructure development drive last year, undertaking large-scale projects across the country as part of Government’s broader push to attain a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society in the next four years.
Central to this transformation has been sustained investment in road rehabilitation and modernisation under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 (ERRP2), alongside flagship infrastructure projects that are reshaping the country’s transport network, easing congestion and improving regional trade connectivity.
Since the launch of ERRP2 in 2021, more than 50 000 kilometres of roads have been rehabilitated nationwide, while over 2 000 bridges and road structures have been repaired or upgraded.
This has significantly improved road conditions across a network estimated at 84 000 kilometres, the bulk of which was previously classified as being in fair to poor condition.
Building on these gains, Government is preparing to roll out a US$3 billion road rehabilitation and upgrading programme targeting four key national highways between 2026 and 2030.
The ambitious programme, outlined in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), will be implemented largely through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and is expected to modernise critical trade corridors while stimulating economic growth.
Among the most significant projects already nearing completion is the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway, Zimbabwe’s principal north–south artery linking the country to South Africa, its largest trading partner.
The highway forms part of the broader regional corridor connecting southern Africa to markets in the north and has been instrumental in facilitating the movement of goods, people and services.
Rehabilitation works are also progressing on the Harare–Chirundu Highway, which links Zimbabwe to Zambia and serves as a vital gateway to the northern SADC corridor.
The route is critical for cross-border trade, regional integration and the transport of agricultural and mining exports.
Similarly, the Beitbridge–Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway is being upgraded to support freight movement and tourism, connecting South Africa to Zimbabwe’s prime tourist destinations and export routes in the north-west.
Good road infrastructure along this corridor is essential for reducing transit times, lowering transport costs and enhancing Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as a regional logistics hub.
In urban infrastructure development, Government last year commissioned the multi-million-dollar Trabablas Traffic Interchange in Harare, located at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza and High Glen roads.
The interchange replaced the old Mbudzi roundabout, which had long been a major traffic bottleneck in southern Harare.
The project, comprising 15 bridges, has transformed traffic flow, reduced congestion and accidents and improved connectivity along the north–south corridor.
It also enhances regional trade linkages, given Zimbabwe’s position as a transit country between South Africa and the rest of the region.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said 2025 marked a year of significant progress in road rehabilitation and safety improvements.
“The iconic Trabablas Interchange, a flagship of the Second Republic, was officially opened in May 2025 to alleviate traffic congestion at the former Mbudzi roundabout,” said Minister Mhona.
“This project transformed Harare’s traffic management ecosystem and supports safer roads by separating and distributing traffic more efficiently flowing from the major North-South Corridor trunk road to reduce transit time past the Harare CDB.”
Government is also set to further enhance Harare’s road network through the construction of four new interchanges at Mabvuku Junction, Harare Drive/Mutare Road, Liberation Legacy Way/Harare Drive and Liberation Legacy Way/Churchill Road. These developments are aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing travel times and enhancing road safety in the capital.
Looking ahead, NDS2 identifies two flagship highway projects for priority implementation under the US$3 billion programme. The Harare–Chirundu Highway will undergo full rehabilitation at an estimated cost of US$900 million between 2026 and 2027, including the construction of new toll plazas and weighbridges.
The Beitbridge–Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway will be rehabilitated at a cost of US$1,2 billion between 2026 and 2030, also through a PPP model.
Besides supporting tourism, the corridor carries a significant volume of freight destined for central and northern Zimbabwe.
Other major road projects include the US$262 million Harare–Nyamapanda Road, scheduled for completion by 2029, which incorporates the modernisation of the Nyamapanda Border Post to strengthen the eastern trade corridor with Mozambique.
The Gweru–Zvishavane–Rutenga–Boli–Sango Road will be rehabilitated at a cost of US$450 million by 2030, improving access to the Lowveld and strengthening links to northern Mozambique.
The Harare–Kanyemba Corridor, costing US$384 million, will enhance connectivity to Zambia and southern Tanzania and includes refurbishment of the Kanyemba Border Post.
Meanwhile, dualisation and upgrading works are ongoing on the Harare–Chegutu section of the Harare–Bulawayo Road and the Harare–Marondera stretch of the Harare–Mutare Road.
Construction has also commenced on the 240km Kwekwe–Lupane Highway, which will shorten travel time from Harare to Victoria Falls and reduce transport costs for farmers and businesses in Nkayi and Lupane.
Authorities say the scale and breadth of the planned works represent one of the most ambitious national infrastructure upgrades since independence, underscoring Government’s commitment to using infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional integration.
