Zimborders Consortium has signed a concession agreement linked to the award of a contract valued at approximately US$240 million by the Zimbabwean government for a major expansion and upgrade of the Beitbridge border post.

This follows the confirmation by the Zimbabwean Cabinet in March that the tender process, which was run according to international best practice, had been reviewed and successfully completed.

The Zimborders Consortium is made up of a group of Zimbabwean individuals and investors including Zimbabwean, South African and international entrepreneurs and financial institutions that will provide the necessary foreign direct investment and financial backing to deliver the project.

Glynn Cohen, Executive Chairman of The Zimborders Consortium said, “The awarding of this project to The Zimborders Consortium is a fantastic development for regional trade that will greatly improve efficiencies and speed of movement across one of the most active border posts in Africa.

“We are looking forward to playing our part in supporting regional economic growth which is so needed by enabling the easier flow of people and goods, be it for tourism, private or business purposes.”

The project will include a major upgrade of roads to and from the border post, perimeter fencing and gate control infrastructure, parking areas, a commercial centre, staff accommodation, upgrading of communications, security and lighting systems, computerisation as well as the construction of new buildings and terminals.

Additional non-core works to improve the town’s critical infrastructure will also be included, such as sewer ponds and storage dumps.

Once completed, the border post, which is the country’s busiest inland port of entry and one of the region’s key transit points, will be run as a public-private partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe and The Zimborders Consortium, according to a long-term concession period.

The project is expected to commence during July 2018 following the completion of the necessary financial and regulatory processes.