Tanyaradzwa Rusike
Government revenue at the Beitbridge Border Post has increased significantly since the completion of its modernisation, a development hailed as a model of how public-private partnerships (PPPs) can accelerate infrastructure-led growth.
This was said by ZimBorders chairperson Mr Glynn Cohen during the recently concluded European Union-Zimbabwe Business Forum held in Harare, where stakeholders praised the project as a benchmark for future PPP-driven infrastructure development across Africa.
The Beitbridge Border Post upgrade was delivered under a PPP between the Government and ZimBorders, a special purpose vehicle formed by a consortium of local and international investors to develop, finance and operate infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe.
The upgrade at the port has improved operational efficiency, boosted formal trade, curbed smuggling and enhanced transparency, though figures were not immediately available.
“The Beitbridge Border Post project is now a model PPP for Africa, scalable, reputable and impactful,” said Mr Cohen.
“Its success has paved the way for similar border and logistics infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe and across the region, with several already in the pipeline.
“The results speak volumes. The Government now receives a royalty on every crossing at the border and revenue collections by Zimbabwe tripled since the project’s completion.
“Equally important, the modern facilities have drastically reduced smuggling, transit fraud and corruption by improving operational transparency and control, helping formalise trade activities that were previously part of the informal sector.”
Mr Cohen said PPPs have become a powerful vehicle for accelerated development in Zimbabwe.
He applauded the Government’s commitment to infrastructure-led development, saying it reflected a growing policy shift towards openness, collaboration and modernisation.
“The Beitbridge Border Post modernisation project was a powerful combination of public interest guiding private innovation and private sector initiatives, which we have heard a lot about in the last couple of days,” he said.
“In this context, while we stand out as a country of rising potential, we are witnessing a growing openness to PPPs, a willingness to collaborate and a policy shift towards modernisation.”
Mr Cohen said the project, which was conceived, financed, implemented and is now being operated under a PPP model, demonstrates what can be achieved when the Government and the private sector work in tandem.
“What sets the Beitbridge Border Post project apart is not only the scale and the undertaking, but the spirit of partnership that defines it,” he added.
“We successfully navigated a challenging crossroad in Zimbabwe.
“It was a crossroad in 2017 that we all know the history of, managing complex local dynamics whilst simultaneously delivering timelines remarkably, all in the midst of the global disruptions caused by Covid-19.
“This demanded not only strategic agility, but also close coordination across borders and teams, demonstrating our ability to deliver under pressure and adapt in real time.
“The project has been recognised globally with multiple awards for its innovation, structure and impact.”
Also speaking at the forum, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary Ambassador Albert Chimbindi said the Government implemented wide-ranging reforms to improve the ease of doing business and attract investment.
“Our presence here reflects Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to engaging with the EU (European Union) in trade and general economic cooperation,” he said.
“This commitment is rooted in our Constitution, which defines Zimbabwe as a unitary, democratic and sovereign republic.
“The establishment of ZIDA (Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency) is a testimony of the efforts the Government is deploying to make sure that they make it easier for those who want to invest.”
The three-day event brought together over 300 delegates – including business leaders, investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs – from both Zimbabwe and the EU.
It ran under the theme; “Unlocking Trade and Investment under the Global Gateway Initiative”.
The event was organised by the EU delegation to Zimbabwe in partnership with ZIDA, ZimTrade and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries.
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