Regional push turns Zambezi Basin into investment hub

SOUTHERN Africa countries have taken a decisive step towards strengthening regional economic integration and resilience as a major multi-country initiative anchored on the Zambezi River Basin begins to unlock a pipeline of investments expected to transform livelihoods for more than 50 million people.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (Zamcom) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), signals a structured and strategic pathway not only for infrastructure and climate resilience, but also for expanding economic opportunities, including access to international markets for skilled workers across Zimbabwe and the wider southern Africa region.

The programme is designed to convert a long-term regional development blueprint to bankable, investment-ready projects spanning water infrastructure, irrigation, hydropower and food systems, while positioning the Zambezi Basin as a hub for climate-resilient growth and cross-border economic participation.

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