Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe is among 32 landlocked developing countries worldwide that are currently attending the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Awaza, Turkmenistan. Awaza (or Avaza) refers to both a tourist zone in and a borough (district headed by a presidentially appointed mayor) of the city of Türkmenbaşy, Turkmenistan. It is where the Caspian Sea meets a desert.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco is leading the Zimbabwean delegation, which includes Permanent Secretary Engineer Joey Makumbe and other senior Government officials.
The conference started this Tuesday and ends on August 8, 2025, and Zimbabwe is expected to showcase its major infrastructure achievements and forge strategic partnerships for national development. It is running under the theme, “Driving Progress through Partnerships”.
According to the UN, more than 20 heads of State and Government and some 3 000 delegates from international organisations, civil society, youth, academia and the private sector are expected to attend the conference.
There are 32 landlocked developing countries worldwide, home to over 500 million people. Many are also among the world’s least developed countries, facing structural challenges such as high transport costs, limited market access and vulnerability to climate shocks.
Robust infrastructure and improved connectivity remain critical to overcoming these barriers, facilitating trade and integration into global markets.
The LLDC3 conference aims to promote global partnerships to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development.
Zimbabwe’s key event during the conference includes a flagship side event being organised by the Ministry of Transport under the theme “Unlocking Socio-Economic Growth through Sustainable Partnerships”.
The main focus will be on how Zimbabwe is turning geographical challenges into opportunities through projects such as the Beitbridge-Chirundu Highway, Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport upgrades, the Zimbabwe Dry Port at Walvis Bay in Namibia, and the National Railway Line Rehabilitation Programme.
There is also going to be a high-level participation where Deputy Minister Sacco will highlight how Zimbabwe’s infrastructure drive is creating jobs, boosting trade and transforming regional connectivity, while Eng Makumbe will lead discussions with international partners and panelists.
Online Reporter