Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Mozambique are stepping up efforts to improve road and rail connectivity, streamline border operations and strengthen regional trade through the Beira and Maputo corridors, in a push to reduce transport costs and improve access to international markets.
The two countries are advancing railway rehabilitation projects and plans to establish One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) at Forbes-Machipanda and Nyamapanda-Cuchamano to facilitate the movement of goods and people across their common borders.
The developments were highlighted at the inaugural Mozambique Transport and Logistics Investment Forum held in Maputo yesterday, which was attended by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona.
Addressing delegates, Minister Mhona reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional transport infrastructure integration.
He said improved road and rail connectivity, supported by efficient border management systems, was critical to facilitating cross-border trade.
On the Beira Corridor, he announced that the 11,1-kilometre Harare-Mutare railway resleepering project had been completed, with the next phase involving the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) and Mozambique’s Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM) agreeing on coordinated train schedules to improve freight movement between Zimbabwe and the Port of Beira.
The arrangement is expected to strengthen the railway connection between the two countries and improve the efficiency of transporting Zimbabwean exports and imports through the Mozambican port.
Minister Mhona also reported progress on the Limpopo Corridor, where railway sleepers had been delivered under a US$10 million tripartite financing facility launched in July this year.
The intervention has enabled the removal of rail speed restrictions along the Rutenga-Gweru and Somabhula-Plumtree sections, improving operational efficiency and connectivity along the railway network.
On border management, the Minister said bilateral framework agreements for establishing One-Stop Border Posts at Forbes-Machipanda and Nyamapanda-Cuchamano were expected to be concluded soon.
The facilities, whose establishment follows directives issued by President Mnangagwa during his State Visit to Mozambique last year, are expected to simplify border procedures, reduce transit times and lower the cost of moving goods between the two countries.
The Minister also highlighted the contribution of Zimbabwe’s flagship infrastructure projects, particularly the Beitbridge Border Post Upgrade and the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway Rehabilitation Programme, towards strengthening the country’s position as a regional transport and logistics hub.
He said the North-South Corridor was connected to 10 other regional transport corridors, including the Maputo, Limpopo, Beira and Nacala corridors, providing links between the Southern African Development Community and markets in East, West and Central Africa.
“These strategic investments have strengthened Zimbabwe’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub,” he said.
The forum, held under the theme, “From the Coast to the Corridors: Investing in Mozambique as a Regional Trade Gateway and Transit Hub”, brought together government officials, investors, financial institutions and transport operators to explore investment opportunities and partnerships in the development of Mozambique’s transport and logistics infrastructure.
It was led by Mozambique’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Matlombe, and attended by representatives from Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Angola and Tanzania.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo officially opened the gathering, emphasising his country’s commitment to working with regional partners to expand cross-border road and railway infrastructure and improve access to international markets for landlocked countries through Mozambican ports.
Minister Mhona was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, NRZ, the Zimbabwe National Road Administration, National Handling Services and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.
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