A World Bank trade facilitation mission has presented preliminary findings from assessments conducted at Zimbabwe’s key border posts, as part of ongoing efforts to improve the country’s trade systems and border efficiency.
The mission, running from 2 to 6 February 2026, is being undertaken under the Zimbabwe Private and Financial Sector Development Project and focuses on strengthening trade facilitation frameworks, with particular attention on coordinated border management at Victoria Falls, Beitbridge and Forbes Border Posts.
On Tuesday, the World Bank delegation held a debriefing meeting with the Permanent Secretary for Industry and Commerce, Dr Thomas U. Wushe, at Mukwati Building in Harare, where officials reviewed observations from on-site inspections carried out at the three border posts.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the meeting provided an opportunity for the World Bank team to “present preliminary findings and observations from their on-site assessments of operations and systems at the three border posts.”
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The delegation was led by Senior Trade Facilitation Specialist Ernani Argolo Checcucci Filho, accompanied by Trade Facilitation Expert Bruce Charles Aurelius Ellison and Senior Private Sector Head Senidu Fanuel.
The assessments form part of broader efforts to identify bottlenecks, operational inefficiencies and coordination challenges affecting cross-border trade flows, particularly at high-traffic entry points such as Beitbridge.
Government said the discussions reaffirmed “strong collaboration between the Government of Zimbabwe and the World Bank in promoting efficient, streamlined and coordinated border management systems,” which are viewed as critical to reducing trade costs and improving competitiveness.
The mission’s findings are expected to inform future reforms and investments aimed at modernising border operations, enhancing inter-agency coordination and supporting private sector–led trade growth.
LZimbabwe has prioritised trade facilitation reforms as part of wider economic recovery efforts, with border efficiency seen as a key driver of export performance and regional integration.
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