President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared that railway development across the country continues to be upscaled, positioning rail as a central pillar of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure agenda and its bid to become a regional logistics hub.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2026, the President highlighted a landmark cross-border initiative: Zimbabwe and Zambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of a 311-kilometre railway link between Kafue in Zambia and Lion’s Den in Zimbabwe.
The proposed line is expected to create a more direct and efficient trade corridor between the two neighbouring countries, easing pressure on road networks and reducing the cost of moving bulk cargo such as minerals, agricultural produce and fuel. Analysts say the connection could also open new routes to regional and international markets for both economies, strengthening integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
On domestic rehabilitation, the President said work on the 614-kilometre rail line from Chicalacuala to Plumtree is due for completion by August 2027. The route forms part of a wider strategy to modernise ageing rail infrastructure and reconnect key economic zones, particularly in the south and west of the country.
Rail has long been regarded as the most economical means of transporting heavy freight over long distances. Zimbabwe’s network, much of which dates back decades, has suffered from underinvestment, limiting capacity and pushing a large share of freight onto the country’s roads. Government’s renewed focus on rehabilitation is aimed at reversing this trend, lowering logistics costs for miners, manufacturers and farmers alike.
The Chicalacuala–Plumtree line is particularly significant because it is expected to improve connectivity between Zimbabwe’s southern regions and neighbouring transport corridors, supporting the movement of goods and enhancing the country’s position as a transit route within the region.
Economic observers note that reliable rail infrastructure is a key enabler of the country’s broader development goals under Vision 2030, which envisions an upper middle-income economy. Improved freight movement, they argue, can boost competitiveness, attract investment and create employment along the affected corridors.
The President’s remarks reflect the Government’s continued emphasis on infrastructure-led growth, with transport, energy and communications infrastructure identified as priority sectors. While timelines and financing arrangements for the Kafue–Lion’s Den link are yet to be detailed, the signing of the MoU marks an important first step in turning the proposal into reality.
As work progresses on both projects, stakeholders in the mining, agriculture and logistics sectors will be watching closely, hopeful that the promised upgrades will translate into faster, cheaper and more reliable transport of goods across the region.
