By Patience Gondo
THE Municipality of Beitbridge has entered into a US$65 million green energy partnership with Extra Grace Trust in a project expected to transform the border town’s economic landscape and strengthen its drive toward attaining city status.
Speaking on the development on Saturday at the 2026 Beitbridge Corporate and People’s Choice Awards, Beitbridge Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola said the project, under the Green Climate Fund framework, will see methane gas and electricity being produced from the municipality’s sewer farm.
“Under the agreement Beitbridge Municipality is expected to receive 20 percent of the proceeds generated by the project,” he said.
Ramakgapola said the investment is a major milestone in the implementation of national development priorities outlined in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), saying it has the potential to create new economic opportunities while promoting sustainable environmental management.
The methane-to-energy initiative is expected to significantly improve the town’s infrastructure and energy prospects, while positioning Beitbridge as a model for green investment and innovation.
“The project could fundamentally change the town’s development trajectory and accelerate its ambitions of achieving city status,”
The partnership with Extra Grace Trust forms part of a broader investment and development strategy being pursued by the municipality through public-private partnerships.
Ramakgapola said several other projects are currently being explored to unlock Beitbridge’s economic potential and attract investment.
Among the proposed developments is a Venda Cultural Village overlooking the Dulivhadzimo Gorge, which is intended to promote cultural tourism and preserve local heritage.
The municipality is also seeking partners for the development of Mohadi Square, also known as KCD Square, as well as the proposed Beef City Park.
Council is further engaging potential investors for the establishment of a Special Economic Zone and an urban renewal programme aimed at modernising key sections of the town.
Ramakgapola said discussions are also underway for the development of the Limpopo Leisure Zone, which is expected to include adventure tourism facilities such as a zip line.
In addition, municipal authorities are planning to establish cattle sale pens to support livestock marketing in the district.
Ramakgapola said the initiative recognises Beitbridge’s status as one of Zimbabwe’s leading cattle-producing areas, renowned for the quality of its beef and will create improved opportunities for cattle display and sales while expanding market access beyond the district.
Municipal leaders expressed confidence that the combined impact of the Extra Grace Trust project and the pipeline of planned partnerships would stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and enhance service delivery.
They said the town’s future would be built on strong collaborations capable of transcending geographical boundaries and unlocking long-term development.
Echoing the importance of partnerships in driving progress, Ramakgapola cited renowned former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, who once said: “For me, it is important to build good partnerships rather than score centuries.”
They said the municipality’s development agenda is anchored on that same principle of collaboration for sustainable growth.