Zambezi Seaway Project on the cards

A US$10 billion Zambezi Seaway Project expected to create huge employment and investments within SADC is on the cards after a consortium of local and SADC diplomats met to consider its implementation.

The plan to construct the Zambezi seaway which integrates four countries Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique, will ease the movement of goods by providing a convenient link through the Indian ocean, Tete province of Mozambique, Caborra Bassa and the Zambezi.

The brainchild of the project, Senator Aguy Georgias, who is also the Deputy Minister of Public Works, said investors have been identified and are willing to start work as soon as the project is approved by the principals of the four SADC nations.

“It is a project that will benefit the SADC region,” said Senator Georgias.

Zambian and Malawian ambassadors to Zimbabwe, Mrs Ndiyoi Mutiti and Professor Richard Phonya said their governments are committed to the project which they said will change the face of Africa’s business integration.

“Our governments will engage engineers in our countries and other stakeholders to consider how the plan can be a success,” both said.

Mozambican First Secretary for Commerce, Mr Custody Fereeira said the proposed plan will create massive employment opportunities, increase export earnings and stabilise economic activities for a number of African nations.

The Zambezi river has been lying idle for years and a project of this magnitude is expected to unlock tourism investment, create jobs, add value to products, restore business confidence and harmonise trade regulations in line with the COMESA customs.