Zimbabwe a gateway economy for regional trade – VP Mohadi

Rutendo Nyeve

VICE President Kembo Mohadi has said Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a gateway economy capable of anchoring regional value chains and logistics corridors across Southern Africa, as the Second Republic rolls out bold infrastructure modernisation projects.

Speaking while officiating at the fifth Connect Africa Symposium on the sidelines of the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo on Friday, VP Mohadi underscored the nation’s strategic geographic advantage.

“Our geographic location and commercial positions sees Zimbabwe not as a peripheral economy but as a gateway economy which can anchor regional value chains, logistics corridors, and trade facilitation across Southern Africa,” he said.

VP Mohadi highlighted Government’s commitment to improving trade facilitation through infrastructure development.

“The Government is cognisant of the fact that it is taking bold steps to modernise and construct road and energy infrastructure, increase digital connectivity, and enhance efficiency at its borders,” he said.

He said the recent upgrade of the Beitbridge border post, a key link on the North-South corridor and the Harare-Beitbridge road rehabilitation, has seen over 580 kilometres of the 582 kilometre road being completed.

“This is a testament to its commitment to strengthening intra-Africa trade,” he said.

He said Zimbabwe will host the newly established Intra-Africa Trade Company and provide resources to operationalise it over the next decade.

VP Mohadi urged African nations to accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“Africa will have to be built by its own people, and those people are ourselves,” he said.