Harare, (New Ziana) – The visiting African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) delegation has commended Zimbabwe for the remarkable progress it continues to make in infrastructure development, a cornerstone of the government’s economic transformation agenda.
The delegation, led by Aly El-Hefny who is also a member of the African Union Panel of Eminent Persons, and Dr Rachel Mukamunana, the Director of Country Reviews and Assessments, on Wednesday toured some of the flagship infrastructure projects in the capital.
These included the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport expansion, the Trababalas Traffic Interchange, and the Museum of African Liberation, three iconic projects that symbolize Zimbabwe’s commitment to modernization and regional integration.
Since the advent of the Second Republic, the government has prioritized infrastructure development as a key enabler of economic growth under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
Projects such as highways, airports, energy systems, and urban renewal initiatives have been implemented to create the foundation for the national vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Speaking during the tour, Dr Mukamunana said the projects reflect Zimbabwe’s determination to enhance connectivity and economic efficiency using its own resources and expertise.
“The interchange, designed and constructed by local engineers, is a clear demonstration of home-grown capacity and innovation. It will go a long way in easing congestion, improving mobility, and supporting the country’s economic growth targets,” she said.
The Trababalas Interchange, which was constructed using local resources, has already been hailed as one of the most transformative infrastructure projects in the capital, set to reduce traffic delays and strengthen links between industrial, residential, and commercial zones.
At the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the delegation expressed admiration for the state-of-the-art facilities that now position Harare as a key aviation hub in Southern Africa.
The expansion, commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023, was undertaken as part of efforts to improve transport infrastructure and stimulate tourism and trade, with El-Hefny saying the project was a reflection of sound economic management and visionary leadership.
“This airport expansion project demonstrates Zimbabwe’s commitment to improving international connectivity and promoting tourism. It aligns well with the broader goals of economic governance and sustainable development,” he said.
El-Hefny added that government efforts to simplify travel and improve passport systems are commendable steps towards creating a welcoming environment for visitors and investors alike.
The tour also took the delegation to the Museum of African Liberation, a monumental project under construction that seeks to preserve the liberation heritage of the continent.
The museum will showcase artefacts, documents, and stories chronicling struggles of African countries for independence, with contributions from nations such as Russia and Cuba, which supported liberation movements across the continent.
El-Hefny described the project as a “pan-African treasure.”
“What we witnessed at the Museum of African Liberation is deeply inspiring. It reminds us of the shared journey and collective resilience of African nations. Such initiatives foster unity and pride among Africans and deserve to be celebrated and supported,” he said.
Zimbabwe continues to post steady progress across various sectors, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing and the APRM delegation noted that such tangible developments are evidence of effective policy implementation and strong national vision.
As the country continues with its African Peer Review Mechanism targeted review on Economic Governance and Management, the observations of the delegation underscore the commitment of Zimbabwe to transparent, accountable, and sustainable development.
The delegation will also tour various iconic projects in other provinces across the country to gain a broader appreciation of the progress being made in transforming the infrastructure landscape of the country.
New Ziana
