Zimbabwe has taken an important step to improve how it trades with other countries after hosting a United Nations workshop in Harare focused on reducing high trade and transport costs.
The two-day workshop, held from 5 to 6 November, brought together government officials, trade experts, academics and private-sector representatives. It was organised by the United Nations Office that supports landlocked and least developed countries, working with the Government of Zimbabwe, UNCTAD and UNECA. The aim was to help Zimbabwe turn trade data into practical policies that can lower costs and make trade faster and more efficient.
Zimbabwe was selected as one of only four countries in the world to take part in this pilot programme. United Nations officials said this choice reflects Zimbabwe’s strategic position in regional trade and its willingness to improve transport links and border systems.
Landlocked countries like Zimbabwe often face high costs when moving goods across borders. These costs are not only caused by distance. Delays at borders, slow paperwork, poor infrastructure and changing regulations also make trading expensive. During the workshop, participants learned that these hidden costs often hurt businesses more than fuel or transport fees.
The training helped participants understand where delays happen and why trade becomes expensive. By using trade and transport data, officials can now identify which borders, roads or procedures need urgent attention. This makes it easier for the government to focus on real problems instead of relying on estimates or assumptions.
Discussions during the workshop showed that Zimbabwe faces challenges such as congestion at border posts, weak road and rail systems, limited coordination between border agencies and frequent rule changes that increase costs for traders. These issues make it harder for businesses to compete in regional and international markets.
Participants agreed that improving border infrastructure, restoring rail transport for heavy goods and fully implementing one-stop border posts could significantly reduce delays. They also supported the idea of creating a national platform where government and the private sector can share trade and transport data to support better planning and decision-making.
Business representatives said the workshop helped them understand costs that are often ignored but affect trade every day. Government officials said the discussions improved communication between ministries, businesses and researchers, helping everyone work toward the same goals.
The findings from the Harare workshop will be shared at a global meeting in March 2026, where experts from all landlocked developing countries will exchange ideas and lessons learned. United Nations officials said the long-term goal is to help countries like Zimbabwe trade more easily, attract investment and integrate better into regional and global markets.
They stressed that reducing trade costs is not just about economics. It is about creating jobs, improving livelihoods and giving landlocked countries a fair chance to grow.
