Zimbabwe is fully prepared to host the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit, which is already in full swing with the Council of Ministers meeting and the Chairmanship officially transferred from Angola to Zimbabwe. Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, provided an update on the country’s readiness, highlighting the significant infrastructural developments completed in preparation for the summit.
Key access routes to the New Parliament Building, the summit venue, including Harare-Chirundu, Harare-Kanyemba, and New Parliament Roads, are now complete. The Harare-Kanyemba Road, particularly the section between Harare Drive, Eskbank tollgate, and Gwebi River Bridge, was opened to traffic on August 7. The Boulevard leading to the Parliament was officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on August 9.
In addition to road infrastructure, the VVIP Lounge at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport has been upgraded with all necessary facilities, while the access road to the VVIP Pavilion has also been completed. The Airport Road has been remarked, with barriers and kerbstones repainted and replaced where needed. The Air Zimbabwe hangar has been fully repainted, and traffic lights are being installed at key intersections along with street lighting on major roads.
Flag hoisting along Airport Road and in the Central Business District, particularly on Nemakonde Way and Seke Road, has been completed, adding to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The Media Centre and other information and publicity infrastructures have been finalized, ensuring that the summit’s coverage will be comprehensive and efficient.
Moreover, the construction of a 2.8-megalitre water reservoir, supported by 14 newly drilled boreholes, ensures a sufficient water supply for the New Parliament Building and surrounding areas. The Parliament is also guaranteed uninterrupted power, following the installation of a dedicated 11kV feeder and a 4MVA, 33/11kV transformer. Stable and high-speed internet services have been provided by three service providers at Parliament and all official summit venues, including international airports.
Zimbabweans are witnessing the realization of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision encapsulated in the mantra ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo’ (A Country is Built by Its Own People). The infrastructure developed for the summit will remain a lasting benefit for the nation, contributing to the broader goal of achieving Upper Middle-Income Economy status by 2030.
The extensive preparatory work for the summit is not only a reflection of Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional cooperation but also brings significant downstream benefits. These include modernized roads, smoother traffic flow, and the restoration of Harare’s status as the Sunshine City. The projects have also provided contracts to local contractors and employment opportunities for thousands of Zimbabweans.
Despite attempts by some opposition elements to disrupt the summit preparations, Zimbabwe has proven its resilience by ensuring that the event will proceed smoothly in a peaceful and secure environment. The successful hosting of the SADC Summit will stand as a testament to the country’s determination to advance its development agenda and strengthen regional ties.
The 44th SADC Summit is set to be a milestone event, not just for Zimbabwe, but for the entire Southern African region, showcasing the nation’s readiness to lead and its commitment to sustainable development.
