The Zimbabwe National Road Administration has fully repaid its US$206 million loan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa, with the authority saying the settlement could improve Zimbabwe’s prospects of securing fresh financing for road infrastructure.
ZINARA board chairperson George Manyaya said the final payment was made on September 30, clearing the debt that financed the reconstruction of the Plumtree–Bulawayo–Harare–Mutare highway.
“We had targets as ZINARA, and one of our targets was to clear our external debt to extinguish this loan so that, as a country, we are viewed as creditworthy. As of September 30, Government does not owe DBSA anymore,” Manyaya said.
He said settling the obligation could open the door to further investment, adding: “This unlocks a lot of investments. It shows Zimbabwe is a credible candidate to get such facilities.”
The repayment removes a major financial obligation associated with the rehabilitation of one of the country’s key transport corridors, which links the western border town of Plumtree with Bulawayo, Harare and Mutare, supporting the movement of people and goods.
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Manyaya said the settlement would help the country access funding for other road projects, highlighting the importance of maintaining its creditworthiness to secure additional facilities.
“This enables us to get funding for other roads that we need, and it is good for Zimbabwe, not only in this sector but several sectors, because it shows that Zimbabwe is creditworthy,” he said.
He added that road rehabilitation would remain an ongoing requirement, signalling that further financing would be needed to maintain and improve the national network.
“Road rehabilitation is a continuous exercise, and very soon we will be unlocking more investments,” Manyaya said.
The loan repayment was reported at ZINARA’s 10th annual general meeting in Harare, where the authority outlined its progress and financial position. The settlement closes the DBSA obligation, while the extent of any new financing will depend on future funding arrangements.
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