Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
ZIMBABWE, Botswana and Mozambique have signed agreements on the development of the deep-water port and heavy railway line, as the countries seek to integrate infrastructure within the region for mutual benefit.
The agreement were signed during a tripartite meeting held at a resort just outside Maputo, Mozambique this Friday.
The projects have been discussed before and the focus now is on implementation.
With the three countries recording growth in their respective economies, the deep-water port and heavy railway line that runs from Mozambique, via Zimbabwe to Botswana, will not only facilitate cheaper movement of goods, but will also better link the countries to access key European markets given the advantageous position of the inland port.
The heads of state held a closed-door session before attending a press briefing where agreements to pave way for the implementation of the project were signed at ministerial and Presidential levels.
President Mnangagwa reiterated the commitment of the tripartite to ensure this project materialises.
“This summit allowed the three heads of state to devise mechanisms on the operationalisation of the Techobanine Port, reflecting on our commitment to the project which initially started as a private sector-led effort. In the intervening period, our three governments have held deliberations at technical and ministerial levels before the escalation to the head of state level. In fulfilment of the previous agreements for member states to contribute towards feasibility study of the project, I expressed Zimbabwe’s readiness to fulfil its obligation as an expression of our commitment to the ground-breaking trilateral project,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the setting up of this key infrastructure dovetails with the country’s development strategy.
He added, “The development of the key infrastructure between our three countries is in sync with our national development strategy and Vision 2030 as well as regional and continental integration in fulfilment of the African Union Agenda 2063. During the tripartite summit, we underlined the need to further deepen cooperation as a way to overcome logistical bottlenecks in the transportation of goods and services.”
Botswana’s President Masisi reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the implementation of the project.
“We are committed to the success of this project. We committed to having the Africa we want and, we need to make sure we add value to each of our economies and as we met today, we are committed to take this a step higher when we meet in Harare,” he said.
Mozambique will host the project office and President Nyusi said he is counting on the excellent diplomatic relations between the three countries to ensure the project comes to fruition.
“We will count on the excellent diplomatic relations between the two countries to ensure it will happen. We are confident that through these projects and innovations, we will experience a transformation of other economic activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa is back home.
He said the meeting was successful and integration in major infrastructure projects is key for the SADC bloc as it seeks to boost economic activities.
