Zimbabwe has recorded major progress in national infrastructure development over the past five years, achieving milestones across key sectors without relying on external concessional financial support. The developments, captured in the latest review of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), mark a significant shift from previous decades, when large-scale national projects often depended heavily on international lenders and development partners. Instead, the country has increasingly turned to domestic resource mobilisation, increased participation of local contractors and selective use of commercial financing to drive its infrastructure agenda.
According to the NDS1 review, the period between 2021 and 2025 saw the successful completion of several critical projects in transport, energy, water and sanitation—demonstrating Zimbabwe’s growing ability to fund and implement complex undertakings using largely internal resources. Officials say this approach reflects Government’s commitment to building resilience, reducing dependency on external funding lines and fostering local capacity within the construction and engineering sectors.
The review notes that despite limited access to concessional development financing—largely due to external debt constraints—Zimbabwe was able to achieve substantial progress. “On infrastructure, development of most projects was successfully undertaken during NDS1, notwithstanding absence of concessional development financial support to Zimbabwe. This was underpinned by leveraging domestic resources and participation of local contractors, complemented by commercial financing arrangements,” reads part of the document.
Among the most prominent achievements highlighted is the US$140 million Trabablas Interchange, completed in 2025. Strategically located along one of Harare’s busiest traffic nodes, the multi-level interchange has significantly eased congestion, improved travel efficiency and modernised the capital’s urban transportation network. Authorities note that the project not only enhanced mobility but also created employment opportunities for local construction professionals and supplied industries.
Zimbabwe Achieves Key Infrastructure Milestones Under NDS1 Through Local Funding
Another flagship project was the US$153 million expansion of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, officially commissioned in 2023. The upgrade increased the airport’s passenger handling capacity, modernised terminal facilities and positioned Zimbabwe more competitively within the regional aviation landscape. The expansion is expected to boost tourism, facilitate international business travel and enhance Zimbabwe’s role as a regional gateway.
In the energy sector, one of the most transformative milestones was the commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 in 2023. The two units added 600 megawatts of generation capacity to the national grid—one of the largest single increases in Zimbabwe’s recent history. The additional power has helped ease load-shedding pressures, stabilise electricity supply for industry and households, and support the broader economic recovery efforts under NDS1.
The review states: “Notable infrastructure projects were completed in the transport, energy, water and sanitation sectors, inclusive of the Trabablas Interchange completed at a cost of US$140 million in 2025, the R.G. Mugabe International Airport Expansion at a cost of US$153 million in 2023, commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 in 2023 which added 600 MW to the national grid, as well as extensive road rehabilitation undertaken through the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programmes I and II, covering both urban and rural road infrastructure.”
Road rehabilitation also advanced at an unprecedented scale through the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programmes (ERRP I and II). These initiatives targeted both urban and rural networks, focusing on resurfacing, bridge repairs, drainage improvements and general road safety enhancements. As a result, several key trunk roads and feeder routes were modernised, supporting trade, agriculture and commuter transport across provinces.
Progress on major national highways continued as well. Work on the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge highway, one of the country’s most critical trade corridors linking Zimbabwe to South Africa, reached 85% completion by October 2025. Once finalised, the highway is expected to strengthen regional trade flows under the African Continental Free Trade Area by improving transport efficiency and reducing transit times for commercial cargo.
Equally significant were advances in water infrastructure. Construction of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, a key component of the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, reached 72.5% completion, while work on the Kunzvi Dam—which will supply Harare and surrounding areas—stood at 65%. These projects are seen as central to long-term water security efforts, supporting both urban supply and agricultural irrigation.
“Significant progress was realised towards the construction of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway which stood at 85% completion as of October 2025, while the Gwayi-Shangani Dam and the Kunzvi Dam were at 72.5% and 65%, respectively,” the report noted.
The NDS1 period also saw continued improvement in the manufacturing sector. Capacity utilisation rose from 36.4% in 2019 to 54.7% in 2024, driven by new investments, improved power supply and the Government’s push for value addition of agricultural and mineral commodities. Authorities say these gains reflect strengthening industrial activity and increased confidence in local production.
Overall, the NDS1 review positions Zimbabwe’s recent infrastructure achievements as evidence of the country’s ability to modernise using predominantly home-grown solutions—an approach expected to continue under future development strategies.
Source- ZBC
