Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary Engineer Joy Makumbe on Wednesday led the joint Forbes–Machipanda Border Committee delegation on a technical tour of the Port of Beira to gain deeper insights into port operations, assess existing challenges, and appreciate measures being implemented to reduce congestion and enhance operational efficiency.
During the tour, Eng. Makumbe expressed satisfaction with the high levels of automation and digitalisation observed across key port operations, noting that technology has significantly improved cargo handling, vessel turnaround times, and overall operational predictability.
Eng Makumbe reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Port of Beira as Zimbabwe’s primary maritime gateway and a critical logistics hub serving the wider SADC region.
The Permanent Secretary commended the port authorities for modernising infrastructure, streamlining procedures, and strengthening coordination with corridor stakeholders.
She said that sustained collaboration between Zimbabwe and Mozambique is key to enhancing the efficiency of the Beira Corridor, facilitating seamless trade, promoting regional integration, and supporting economic growth through improved movement of goods and people.
This development comes after Eng Makumbe officially opened the Joint Border Committee (JBC) Meeting in Beira, Mozambique, this week, where senior government officials from Zimbabwe and Mozambique are meeting to strengthen cooperation on border management and regional connectivity.
In her opening remarks, Eng. Makumbe underscored the strategic importance of the Beira Corridor in facilitating trade, tourism and economic growth, calling for coordinated efforts to improve border efficiency, harmonise procedures and enhance infrastructure development.
She highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the planned upgrading of Forbes Border Post under a Public-Private Partnership, as part of Government’s commitment to modernising border infrastructure and promoting seamless movement of people and goods.
The meeting is expected to develop practical solutions to operational challenges, strengthen institutional collaboration and advance regional integration through efficient, safe and competitive transport corridors
