Beitbridge Border Revamp Speeds Up Trade and Travel in Southern Africa
The Beitbridge Border Post has undergone a US$300 million overhaul, significantly improving trade and travel flows between Zimbabwe, its neighbouring countries, and the broader international community. The upgrades introduce advanced technology, increased capacity, and enhanced security, addressing long-standing congestion and delays at this key entry point. The project, developed through a Public-Private Partnership between the Zimbabwean government and the Zimborders Consortium, has already led to a drastic reduction in customs clearance times, aligning with regional goals for seamless trade facilitation.
Previously notorious for bottlenecks, Beitbridge now clears up to 60% of commercial cargo in under three hours, compared to previous wait times ranging from 24 to 72 hours. With new terminals dedicated to freight, buses, pedestrians, and private vehicles, the border efficiently processes nearly 200,000 trucks and over seven million travellers annually. The transformation has drawn interest from regional stakeholders, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), looking to replicate its success in border management.
Source: Travelnews.Africa