Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
ZIMBABWE and South Africa have begun laying the groundwork for the construction of a third commercial bridge at the Beitbridge Border Post, as part of efforts to deepen regional integration and enhance trade efficiency.
A joint technical team from both countries met yesterday in Beitbridge and Musina to align on modalities and logistics for the ambitious project, which is set to ease congestion and transform the flow of goods and people between the two neighbours and the broader SADC region.
The move follows recent high-level discussions between President Mnangagwa and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during their joint visit to Beitbridge.
A key outcome of that engagement was the agreement to expedite the full implementation of the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) model, which entails a shared border control system aimed at enhancing efficiency.
Cabinet has already approved the construction of the new bridge, which will be the third to span the Limpopo River at Beitbridge, the busiest inland port of entry in sub-Saharan Africa.
The proposed four-lane structure is expected to link directly to freight-handling facilities on both sides of the border, reducing delays and streamlining cargo movement.
The initiative is part of a wider regional drive to modernise border infrastructure, strengthen economic ties, and improve connectivity across southern Africa.
Beitbridge services not only Zimbabwe and South Africa but also connects to trade corridors extending into Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Zimbabwean delegation was led by Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure Development, Engineer Joy Pedzisayi Makumbe while South Africa was represented by the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato.
Following a closed-door session in Musina, the team conducted an on-site inspection to assess potential locations for the new bridge and ensure alignment with South Africa’s ongoing border post upgrades.
Although official statements were withheld, sources close to the meeting confirmed “substantial progress” had been made, particularly around finalising bilateral and technical arrangements.
“As you may be aware, Zimbabwe has already approved the project, and what is only left is the conclusion of the bilateral agreements and technical issues by the two governments,” said an official who attended the meeting.
The official said the proposed bridge will integrate seamlessly with both countries’ freight clearance infrastructure and accommodate the increasing volumes of cargo traffic.
“In addition, you will note that South Africa is set to upgrade its part of the Beitbridge border post, and hence today’s site visit was to check and customise the new bridge to fit into the border transformation plans,” said the official.
Presently, Beitbridge handles up to 25 000 people, 1 200 trucks, 200 buses and 2 000 light vehicles daily. Zimbabwe has already completed a US$300 million border post modernisation project, positioning the port as a key trade and logistics hub in the region.
In an interview, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona explained that the third bridge had always been part of the broader border upgrade plan, but was temporarily shelved due to evolving bilateral negotiations.
“Initially, when we were undertaking this project, we were supposed to have constructed the second bridge, but because of bilateral arrangements, we decided to separate it from the current border work,” he said.
Minister Mhona noted that while traffic is increasingly being routed through alternative corridors like Kazungula, where Zimbabwe is now a shareholder in the new bridge, Beitbridge remains central to the country’s strategy of offering efficiency as a competitive advantage.
The existing bridge infrastructure has evolved over time. The original Alfred BeitBridge, opened in 1929, was later joined by the New Limpopo Bridge in 1995 to accommodate growing road traffic. The former now caters exclusively to rail and pedestrians.
In a parallel development, South Africa’s Cabinet has approved the upgrade of six major border posts, including Beitbridge, as part of a national strategy to enhance cross-border trade and security.
Other targeted ports include Lebombo (Mozambique), Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg (Lesotho), Kopfontein (Botswana) and Oshoek (Eswatini).
