Second Republic Delivers as Zimbabwe Enters Africa’s Top 10 for Best Road Quality

Zimbabwe has continued to make notable strides under the Second Republic, earning a position among Africa’s top 10 countries with the best road quality in 2025.

The latest ranking, highlighted by Nigeria’s Vanguard newspaper, places Zimbabwe at number 10 a development attributed to ongoing upgrades that have improved travel efficiency and reduced operating costs for freight companies.

According to the report by Nigerian journalist Favour Osah, Zimbabwe’s highway network, particularly the routes connecting Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare, has undergone steady improvements.

The article notes that although the network still requires further attention, the upgraded sections are performing above many regional averages. Transport operators have also recorded reduced fuel consumption and lower tyre-wear rates due to smoother surfaces.

The publication further emphasises that quality road infrastructure boosts trade, lowers transport costs, supports tourism, and provides safer, more reliable mobility for citizens.

Namibia tops the continental ranking, followed by South Africa, Morocco, Botswana, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Angola and Côte d’Ivoire.

Zimbabwe’s improved standing comes as the Government continues implementing the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 (ERRP2), which has already refurbished more than 50 000 kilometres of roads and repaired over 2 000 structures since 2021.

The country is working toward upgrading an estimated 84 000 km of its road network most of which was previously assessed as fair to poor and requiring urgent intervention.

This year, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development expanded the use of Public-Private Partnerships within the Department of Roads, with several projects already cleared by Cabinet for rollout.

More than 20 major road and bridge projects are scheduled for commencement next year, targeting both national highways and local feeder roads to ensure inclusive development.

The Phase Two works are expected to begin on 1 February 2026, with completion targeted within 12 months.