Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has been ranked among the top 10 African countries with the best road quality, reflecting sustained progress under the Government’s Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 (ERRP2).
According to an article published by Nigerian media outlet Vanguard, Zimbabwe is ranked 10th on the continent, with international freight companies noting that fuel and tyre costs have fallen on recently improved highways due to smoother road surfaces and reduced wear and tear.
The ranking comes after the refurbishment of more than 50 000 kilometres of roads nationwide since the launch of ERRP2 in 2021.
The programme has also seen the rehabilitation of over 2 000 road structures, as authorities work towards upgrading the country’s 84 000km road network, 93 percent of which was previously classified as being in fair to poor condition and in urgent need of attention.
As part of ongoing reforms, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development this year adopted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) within the Department of Roads.
Several of these projects have already received Cabinet approval and are expected to roll out next year.
Beyond roadworks, the ministry has also invested in equipment for the Air Space Management System, completed the Trabablas Interchange and the RGMI Airport VVIP Pavilion, signed memoranda of understanding to attract more airlines — bringing the number currently flying into Zimbabwe to 23 — and engaged in key Transport Corridor agreements covering the Beira Development Corridor and the North-South Corridor.
Looking ahead, more than 20 major infrastructure projects are set to be implemented across the country next year, covering major highways and community feeder roads.
These projects fall under the Government’s Phase Two works, scheduled to commence on February 1, 2026, and to be completed within 12 months.
In the Vanguard article, Zimbabwe is commended for steady improvements to its road network.
“Zimbabwe closes the list with steady progress. Roads linking Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare have seen repairs and upgrades.”
Namibia was ranked first, followed by South Africa, Morocco, Botswana, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Angola and Côte d’Ivoire, which placed ninth.
