Infrastructure Development Takes Centre Stage in Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Presidency

Zimbabwe’s infrastructure drive continues to gather momentum, with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development rolling out major road projects aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity across the country.

In Harare, the ministry has announced plans for a major new interchange at the junction of Chiremba Road and Robert Mugabe Road—one of the capital’s busiest and most congested corridors.

The project forms part of broader efforts to decongest the city’s road network, particularly during peak hours when commuters face long and frustrating delays.

“Upcoming major interchange at Robert Mugabe and Chiremba Road junction. This is real infrastructure development aimed at decongesting one of the city’s busiest routes,” the ministry said.

Easing Harare’s Traffic Gridlock

The planned interchange is expected to improve traffic flow for motorists traveling from areas such as Epworth via Craneborne and Hillside, as well as commuters from Ruwa and Mabvuku-Tafara through Msasa.

Currently, the Chiremba–Robert Mugabe corridor is notorious for congestion, with motorists often spending between 45 minutes and two hours navigating less than a kilometre during peak periods from Monday to Saturday.

In addition, the ministry has announced an overpass along Chiremba Road and Glenara Avenue as part of a wider upgrade plan.

“We will upgrade and rehabilitate Chiremba Road from Robert Mugabe Way – Braeside – Epworth – Missing Link – Mutare Road on Glen Road, closing a critical gap in the southern arc of the circuit and reducing through-traffic in residential neighbourhoods,” the ministry said.

The overpass is expected to ease congestion caused by heavy trucks linking major routes such as Mutare Road, Masvingo Road, and Seke Road.

Expanding the National Road Network

Beyond urban roads, the government has intensified efforts on key national highways, reinforcing its broader infrastructure development agenda.

Among the flagship projects is the upgrading of the Beitbridge–Masvingo–Harare Highway, a vital corridor linking Zimbabwe to regional trade routes in Southern Africa. The highway is now nearing completion and is expected to significantly improve the movement of goods and people while reducing travel time and road accidents.

Rehabilitation works have also begun along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, which connects Bulawayo to the iconic tourist destination of Victoria Falls.

The upgrade of this route is expected to boost tourism by improving accessibility for both local and international visitors while stimulating economic activity in surrounding communities.

Infrastructure as a Defining Agenda

The continued rollout of road projects has become a defining feature of President Mnangagwa’s administration, positioning infrastructure development as a cornerstone of economic growth and national transformation.

The latest projects follow the successful completion of the Trabablas Interchange, which has already eased congestion along the Masvingo Highway.

As vehicle numbers continue to rise and urban centres expand, these developments are increasingly seen as critical to modernising Zimbabwe’s transport system—improving daily commutes, strengthening trade corridors, and unlocking the country’s tourism potential.