Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana senior government officials are meeting in Harare to come up with a draft on the implementation of the Techobanine Railway Project.
Once the draft is complete, they will present it to the Ministers of Transport of the three countries who will then present it to the three Heads of State.
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe, Permanent Secretary of the Mozambican Ministry of Transport and Communications, Mr Ambrósio Sitoe and Permanent Secretary of Botswana’s Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Mr Kgakgamalo Ken Ketshajwang and other senior government officials from the three countries are holding a two-day meeting in Harare on the project.
The ambitious US$6,5 billion Techobanine Deep Water Port and Railway Line Project, initiated by the three countries, took off last month following the signing of the tripartite agreement by President Mnangagwa, President Filipe Nyusi and President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Presidents Mnangagwa, Nyusi and Masisi presided over the signing ceremony with their relevant ministers during the Tripartite Ponta Techobanine Summit held at Mutuine District, south of Maputo.
The Summit allowed the three Heads of State to devise mechanisms for the operationalisation of the Techobanine Port.
The initiative has the potential to unlock trade opportunities through improved transport and logistics efficiencies.
Its scope covers the rehabilitation and upgrading of the railway line linking Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to facilitate bulk cargo movement and connect the three countries to global markets.
The development has significant implications for Zimbabwe as it entails critical investment in upgrading its railway system.
Once complete, the Techobanine Port, which is set to be among the biggest facilities in the region, is expected to significantly decongest and ease pressure on all ports in the region.



