GOVERNMENT has prioritised the US$1.2 billion rehabilitation and upgrade of the Beitbridge–Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway — including the construction of modern toll plazas with weighbridges — as one of the flagship infrastructure projects to be rolled out between 2026 and 2030 under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).
The transformative five-year plan, launched last week, seeks to accelerate Zimbabwe’s march toward “a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society.”
The strategic trunk route, which links Zimbabwe to key regional markets such as South Africa, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been identified as crucial for boosting trade, reducing logistics costs and improving the competitiveness of local businesses. It is also a vital tourism corridor, connecting travellers to major destinations including Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls.
According to the NDS 2 document, Government will implement a national roads rehabilitation and upgrade programme aimed at improving connectivity, facilitating trade and strengthening regional integration. This includes the expansion, rehabilitation and maintenance of major highways and rural feeder roads.
“The programme will be financed through a combination of public resources and private sector participation through public-private partnership arrangements,” reads part of the plan.
The Beitbridge–Bulawayo–Victoria Falls upgrade is among several high-impact infrastructure projects earmarked for delivery under PPP models.
“Rehabilitation and upgrade of the Beitbridge–Bulawayo–Victoria Falls highway, including toll plazas with weighbridges, will be implemented over the period 2026–2030 at a cost of US$1.2 billion through a public private partnership,” the document states.
Also in the pipeline is the long-awaited 240km Kwekwe–Lupane Highway, where two construction teams will start work from opposite ends. The project is expected to shorten the Harare–Victoria Falls route by 200km, significantly reducing travel time and transportation costs.
“This will also bring relief to farmers in Nkayi and Lupane, who have for years battled high transport costs when sending produce to markets,” the document notes.
Additionally, Government will roll out the 159km Bulawayo–Nkayi Road project, described as a game changer that will enhance mobility, commerce and service delivery across Matabeleland North and the Midlands.
Despite limited access to external financing, the Second Republic continues to channel substantial resources into infrastructure development as a key driver of national progress. Roads, in particular, have been prioritised as catalysts for economic transformation, investment attraction and inclusive growth.-herald
