The government of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana signed a major agreement to implement a $6.5 billion infrastructure project, aimed at significant
The government of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana signed a major agreement to implement a $6.5 billion infrastructure project, aimed at significantly boosting trade and transportation in the region.
The deal which was sealed with the countries’ Presidents, will includes the construction of a deep-water port, Tech-Banin, in Mozambique, and a 1,700 km heavy-duty railway that will link this new port to the interior regions of Zimbabwe and Botswana. This railway and port system is intended to strengthen regional trade connections and enhance access to global markets.
Strengthening partnerships
The trilateral agreement emphasizes mobilizing domestic resources for the project while opening avenues for attracting international financing. A comprehensive report has been prepared by the transport ministries of all three nations, detailing timelines, funding strategies, and implementation procedures.
This development builds upon earlier agreements, with the project originally outlined in a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in April 2011. At that time, the transport ministers of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana agreed on the Tech-Banin port, located 70 km south of Maputo and near South Africa’s border. A follow-up MoU was signed in 2016 and revised again in 2022. The project scope includes not only the construction of the port and railway but also the completion of a feasibility study. Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling the obligations under these previous agreements.