ZINARA Set to Clear Final US$11.6 Million on Landmark Highway Loan

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) is on track to fully settle the remaining US$11.6 million owed to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) by December 2026, bringing to a close the repayment of a landmark US$206 million loan that financed the rehabilitation of the strategic Plumtree–Mutare Highway.

The achievement marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure financing journey and is expected to strengthen the country’s standing with regional and international lenders.

Speaking on the development, ZINARA Board Chairperson Dr George Manyaya said the road authority has made remarkable progress in reducing its debt obligations, cutting the outstanding balance from nearly US$50 million when the current board assumed office to just US$11.6 million.

Dr Manyaya said the anticipated clearance of the loan will bolster Zimbabwe’s creditworthiness and improve prospects for securing funding to support future road and infrastructure development initiatives.

He noted that the successful repayment demonstrates prudent financial management and reflects ZINARA’s commitment to maintaining investor confidence while supporting the country’s development agenda.

The authority has also recorded strong revenue performance this year, collecting US$190 million to date and disbursing US$134 million to road authorities nationwide for road maintenance, rehabilitation and upgrading projects.

The funds have been channelled towards improving the condition of the country’s road network, a critical enabler of economic growth, trade and connectivity.

Meanwhile, ZINARA is intensifying efforts to modernise road infrastructure and improve operational efficiency through the nationwide distribution of road maintenance equipment and the continued rollout of digital tolling systems.

The initiatives form part of broader efforts to enhance service delivery, strengthen road maintenance capacity and ensure sustainable management of Zimbabwe’s transport infrastructure.

With the final loan repayment now within sight, ZINARA’s progress underscores the growing momentum behind infrastructure development and the drive to create a more efficient and resilient road network capable of supporting national economic transformation.

By Witness A Phiri