China Railway proposing US$2.5 billion Mozambique-Zimbabwe railway
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The Vice President of China Railway, Shao Gang, has confirmed to state-controlled Radio Mozambique that the company is proposing to construct a rail link between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, to be called the Trans-Zambezi line and estimated to cost US$2.5 billion.
Shao Gang disclosed to the radio station that the first phase of the project will consist of a 400km link between Shamva in Zimbabwe and Moatize in Mozambique, which will connect to a 900km line to the port of Nacala, under construction since May 2017.
Furthermore, China Railway is proposing a 1,700km railway line directly connecting Binga, on the Zimbabwean border with Zambia, to the port of Nacala. The company has been working with Global Power Bridge International (GPBI), a Zimbabwean infrastructure consultancy, to develop these proposals.
The project has been in development for several months. According to local press, China Railway wrote to Zimbabwe's Minister of Transport and Presidential Advisor in March this year, expressing interest in developing a railway in Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with support from GPBI.
Officials from the company visited Zimbabwe in late July reportedly to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project. However, none of the parties have confirmed that an MoU was signed
Shao Gang stated that China Railway is ready to commence the project. This could refer to the signing of an MoU or similar development agreement, or the start of construction.
If executed, the project could be transformative for the countries involved. For example, the railway would significantly improve transport of coal from the Moatize mine to Nacala port, enhancing the potential for exports. It would also facilitate the export of soybeans produced in Zimbabwe
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