Signing of Grant Agreement with Zimbabwe: Promoting regional integration along the North-South Corridor through road improvements.

On October 6 2022, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement with the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Harare, to provide a grant aid of up to 97 million yen (approximately USD 700,000) for the Project for the Road Improvement of the Northern part of the North-South Corridor (Phase 2) (Detailed Design). The main construction Grant Agreement will be signed next year.

The objectives of the project are to reduce accidents, relieve traffic congestion and shorten travel time by constructing climbing lanes and widening sharp curve points in the northern part of the North-South Corridor, thereby contributing to the further utilization and smooth logistics in the North-South Corridor. It will also provide technical assistance for traffic safety and road design and maintenance.

Phase 1 of the project commenced in July 2019 and was completed in May 2021. The project was implemented by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development with Japanese contractors and engineers and by the use of Japanese technology. Phase 1 Grant Aid provided up to 14 million United States Dollars which improved a 6.5km stretch between Makuti and Chirundu.

Now, phase 2 is about to be commence and it will target about 7.8km following the section covered in phase 1.

Details for the Project are provided below.

Map of Project Area: