Harare–Beitbridge Highway Nears Completion: A Milestone in Zimbabwe’s Infrastructure Transformation
Published: April 16, 2025
Final 87km Underway as Government Accelerates Completion
The Zimbabwean government has intensified efforts to finalize the Harare–Beitbridge Highway, a pivotal 580km route connecting the capital to the southern border. With 493km already rehabilitated and opened to traffic, only 87km remain, primarily between Chibi tollgate and Rutenga in Mwenezi. The project is on track for completion by August 2025 .
This initiative is part of the Second Republic’s broader infrastructure agenda, emphasizing the importance of modernizing key transport corridors to bolster economic growth and regional integration.
Strategic Importance of the Harare–Beitbridge Corridor
The Harare–Beitbridge Highway is a vital artery for Zimbabwe, facilitating approximately 70% of the country’s transit traffic and 40% of domestic traffic . It serves as a crucial link between Zimbabwe and South Africa, enhancing trade within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The highway’s upgrade is expected to:
- Reduce travel time and transportation costs
- Improve road safety
- Stimulate economic activities along the corridor
- Enhance Zimbabwe’s position as a regional logistics hub.
Empowering Local Contractors and Communities
The project has been a testament to local capacity, with five Zimbabwean companies—Tensor Systems, Masimba Holdings, Fossil Contracting, Exodus & Company, and Bitumen World—leading the construction efforts . This approach has not only ensured quality workmanship but also created thousands of jobs, contributing to community development.
Government Investment and Future Infrastructure Plans
In the 2025 National Budget, the government allocated ZiG305 million to complete the remaining sections of the Harare–Beitbridge Highway . Additionally, plans are underway to rehabilitate 80km of the Harare–Chirundu route and over 1,155km of road network under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP).
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “The completion of this highway is not just about improved roads; it’s about unlocking Zimbabwe’s economic potential and enhancing regional connectivity.”–
Enhancing Road Safety and Efficiency
The upgraded highway will feature eight toll plazas and dual carriageways near major towns, including Harare, Chivhu, Masvingo, and Beitbridge . These enhancements aim to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for all road users.
A Step Towards Vision 2030
The near completion of the Harare–Beitbridge Highway aligns with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, aiming to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy. By prioritizing infrastructure development, the government is laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods for its citizens.
