ZIMBABWE has strengthened strategic partnerships with other landlocked countries to accelerate inclusive socio-economic development.

The country participated in the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Turkmenistan last week, an event that provided an opportunity to translate geographical challenges into development opportunities.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister, Honourable Joshua Sacco, who led Zimbabwe’s delegation, outlined programmes aimed at transforming the nation from a landlocked to a land-linked country.

“The theme of this Conference, ‘Driving Progress through Partnerships, is both timely and imperative, as it underscores the vital role of cross-regional collaboration in addressing the unique development challenges confronting LLDCs. For far too long, these challenges have lingered at the periphery of the global development agenda. Yet surely, we can all agree that a nation’s location should not define its limitations, nor constrain its aspirations.

“Zimbabwe continues to pursue bold reforms under our National Development Strategy 1, which aligns with regional and global aspirations. We are investing in climate-smart infrastructure, scaling up renewable energy, enhancing digital connectivity, and deepening regional integration. We aim to shift from being merely landlocked to becoming land-linked, a vital node of trade, innovation, and value addition,” Honourable Sacco said.

Deputy Minister Sacco also highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to overcome the barriers hindering the progress of landlocked developing countries.

He further stressed the importance of unlocking new financing mechanisms and promoting inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth for all landlocked countries.

The conference was held under the theme, ‘Driving progress through partnerships,’ resonating well with Zimbabwe’s foreign policy objectives of fostering regional cooperation and enhancing economic integration.