. . .Financial Close reached for Chirundu Border Post upgrade — no direct Government capital injection required
By Admore Mbonda in Chirundu
CHIRUNDU — Full-scale construction of the multi-million dollar Chirundu Border Post upgrade is set to begin after Government and its private partner, the Chirundu Border Consortium (CBC), announced Financial Close for the project.
Financial Close means all funding has been secured, paving the way for works at one of Zimbabwe’s busiest border posts — without direct capital injection from Government.
In a joint statement on September 21, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed contractors are already on site, with the batch plant operational and mobilisation advanced.
The project will be delivered under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona said the milestone demonstrates the Second Republic’s infrastructure drive.
“This milestone reflects the President’s unwavering commitment to positioning Zimbabwe as a premier regional transport and logistics hub, driving industrialisation, and deepening regional integration,” Mhona said.
“The modernisation of Chirundu Border Post will improve trade facilitation, strengthen regional connectivity and enhance the efficiency of the North-South Corridor.”
CBC Chairman Glynn Cohen said the deal was a result of close cooperation between Government, CBC, SAFAGA International and financiers.
Financiers have endorsed the project as a critical regional investment.
Standard Bank of South Africa, lead debt arranger, said it regards Chirundu as a critical driver for regional integration. Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe CEO Solomon Nyanhongo said it proves well-structured PPPs can attract private capital into strategic projects.
Strategic investor Strategic Partners Group (SPG) founder Mzolisi Diliza said achieving Financial Close is a landmark transaction that fits SPG’s ambition to drive regional trade.
Chirundu is Zimbabwe’s key gateway to Zambia and links Southern Africa’s industrial hubs. Once complete, it will cut transit delays for passengers and cargo through modern infrastructure and advanced systems.
The project follows the successful US$300 million redevelopment of Beitbridge Border Post commissioned by President Mnangagwa in 2023, completing a dual-gateway modernisation along the North-South Corridor.
With contractors on site and funding secured, the transformation of Chirundu Border Post is no longer a promise — it is a reality under construction.
The project is expected to boost trade flows, reduce congestion and strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a regional transport and logistics hub.
For travellers, traders and haulage operators who have long endured delays at Chirundu, the upgrade cannot come soon enough.
As the batch plant hums and construction crews mobilise, Chirundu is poised to join Beitbridge as a modern gateway to Southern Africa.
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