Despite facing sanctions, Zimbabwe's investment in infrastructure, including roads, housing, dams, and power plants, has yielded significant benefits for the region. The modernized Beitbridge Border Post, a key access point on the North-South Corridor connecting Durban to Zambia, DR Congo, and Malawi, has saved the region over US$330 million in past losses caused by delays, local media reported.
The upgraded Beitbridge Border Post has facilitated smoother trade and travel, reduced bottlenecks and corruption, and increased revenues for Zimbabwe and the region.
“Even with restricted access to foreign loans due to sanctions imposed by Western countries, Zimbabwe has made significant progress in upgrading its infrastructure using local resources. Public-private partnerships and support from friendly countries have been key in funding the country’s infrastructure development program,” said SADC in its magazine.
The publication also praised Zimbabwe's efforts to develop its air transport network. The country boasts one of the most sought-after airports in the region, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. With one of Africa's longest runways, its strategic location makes it a convenient hub for regional and international air travel within the SADC. The number of airlines flying through Harare to destinations around the world has quadrupled in the last five years to over 20.
Recent upgrades have significantly increased the airport's passenger handling capacity to six million per year, more than double its previous capacity. This investment in infrastructure demonstrates Zimbabwe's commitment to facilitating the seamless movement of people, goods, and services within the region.
Zimbabwe's infrastructure development aligns with SADC's vision for regional integration, aiming for efficient cross-border infrastructure by 2050. This vision, emphasizing deeper integration, is also rooted in the belief that local participation and resources are crucial for driving economic development, according to Zimbabwean state media.