On February 27, 2025, SADC Ministers of Infrastructure met in Harare, Zimbabwe, for a high-level roundtable focused on the North-South Corridor, a key route for regional trade and economic integration. Spanning from Durban, South Africa, to Kasumbalesa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the corridor plays a crucial role in facilitating the efficient movement of goods across Southern Africa.
The meeting addressed the importance of enhancing infrastructure along the corridor to drive economic growth and improve connectivity. Key discussions centered around improving transport technologies, sharing insights, and identifying best practices for development.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Felix Tapiwa Mhona, highlighted significant upgrades along the corridor, including the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post and the rehabilitation of the Beitbridge-Harare Road. Plans are also in place to extend the road further from Harare to Chirundu, ensuring more efficient transit through the region.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Mrs. Angele Makombo N’tumba, stressed the importance of infrastructure investment for the region’s development. She noted the region’s proactive approach in exploring new economic corridor models and aligning with frameworks such as the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020-2030).
The meeting also looked at leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance transport networks, encourage regional production, and support key industries across Southern Africa. The Ministers called for greater investment in infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and border facilities, to improve transport connectivity within the region.
