Zimbabwe Leads Strategic Infrastructure Talks at Regional Transport Summit

Everisto Zhuwao

Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Joshua K. Sacco, is leading the country’s delegation at the inaugural National Transport Conference being held in Midrand, South Africa.

The high-level summit, running from March 16 to 18, 2026, is being held under the theme of transport as a driver for economic growth, job creation, and sustainability. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the conference, stressing that stronger cooperation among SADC member states is key to boosting economic growth and improving global competitiveness, particularly through frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.

During the conference, Zimbabwe participated in an important trilateral meeting with Botswana and Mozambique aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and trade. The countries reviewed progress on the Ponta Techobanine Deep Sea Port and Heavy Haul Railway Project, a major infrastructure initiative expected to give Zimbabwe and its neighbours improved access to the Indian Ocean.

The discussions are intended to improve cross-border logistics and ensure that land-linked countries can transport goods more efficiently to international markets.

The Zimbabwean delegation also discussed aviation and rail sector developments. This included reviewing bilateral air services agreements and accident investigation frameworks between Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Further discussions focused on improving operations at the Forbes-Machipanda Border Post and exploring opportunities linked to the Kafue–Lion’s Den railway project.

By engaging with countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, and Tanzania, Zimbabwe continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing a modern and integrated transport system that supports long-term economic growth and regional stability across Africa.