Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
Zimbabwe and Mozambique are strengthening joint operations and knowledge transfer in agriculture and other sectors to enhance productivity and innovation, a senior official has said.
This follows last year’s signing of a Bi-National Commission (BNC) agreement, which adopted major decisions aimed at transforming regional trade and connectivity. Key among these is the establishment of a dry port facility in Beira.
The agreements also encompass the modernisation of the Beira–Feruka fuel pipeline and the creation of a one-stop border post at Forbes/Machipanda. These measures are designed to ease the movement of goods and people, reduce logistics costs, and boost regional competitiveness.
They form part of a wide-ranging set of deals signed during the BNC, which also produced three Memoranda of Understanding on Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality, Youth Development, and Small and Medium Enterprises.
In an interview, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Dr Victor Matemadanda, said the two countries are actively pursuing collaboration in the agricultural sector.
“Zimbabwean farmers are keen to explore opportunities in agriculture and other sectors where we intend to collaborate. Our focus will be on joint operations and knowledge transfer to enhance productivity and innovation.
In this first quarter of the year, my focus will be on visiting assigned governors from other provinces. I will arrange for Zimbabwean farmers to explore opportunities in agriculture and other areas where we intend to collaborate, particularly in joint operations and knowledge transfer. Our goal is for Zimbabwean farmers to partner with Mozambican farmers to foster development in these sectors,” he said.
Dr Matemadanda confirmed that the two countries are also working on the expansion of railway infrastructure.
The Zimbabwe–Mozambique rail network includes key corridors such as the Machipanda Line to Beira and the Limpopo Line to Maputo. These routes are vital for landlocked Zimbabwe’s access to ports.
Recent agreements for 2024–2025 will see Mozambican Railways (CFM) operating parts of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) tracks to enhance freight flow.
Dr Matemadanda said plans are underway for significant upgrades and new lines, including the Techobanine project, aimed at boosting regional integration and increasing coal and cargo export capacity. Further considerations include expanding the railway line and oil pipeline, as well as developing new infrastructure.
“We have agreed that Zimbabwe should have a designated space in the harbour or port zone for the new construction. This will allow ships to refuel and store their fuel in our tanks before heading to Zimbabwe. Consequently, this will reduce or eliminate demurrage costs, leading to a decrease in fuel prices,” he said.
Zimbabwe, Dr Matemadanda added, is also exploring the Techobanine deep-sea port project in collaboration with the Governments of Mozambique and Botswana.
This initiative will be supported by a new railway line connecting the Techobanine area in Mozambique to the broader region through Zimbabwe.
“These are some of the initiatives we are planning to launch soon, with tangible progress expected by the end of the first quarter. We are excited about these developments and believe our companies will play a significant role,” Dr Matemadanda said.
