Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa says engagements between Zimbabwe and Ghana are poised to translate long-standing historical relations into tangible economic dividends that support modernisation, industrialisation and sustainable development.
He made the remarks during a State Banquet hosted in his honour by Ghanaian President John Mahama in Accra on Wednesday evening.
President Mnangagwa is in Ghana on a three-day State visit, underscoring the Second Republic’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing economic growth and cooperation.
President Mahama said the visit reaffirms the shared vision of the two nations to build a sustainable and prosperous future through strengthened bilateral ties.
“Tonight, therefore, we not only honour your State Visit but also celebrate a partnership that continues to evolve. We reaffirm our shared commitment to deepening cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and economic transformation. Our two countries recognise the immense opportunities before us, and we are determined to translate our historic ties into tangible benefits for our peoples. Africa stands at a defining moment in its journey. Across our continent, there is a renewed determination to shape our own destiny, to tell our own story, and to build resilient and prosperous societies. In this context, partnerships such as that between Ghana and Zimbabwe take on even greater significance. They remind us that while geography may separate us, history, and indeed destiny, binds us together,” he said.
“As we strengthen our bilateral relations, we remain equally mindful of our collective responsibilities within Africa and the wider global community. The African Continental Free Trade Area presents us with a historic opportunity to deepen intra-African trade, build resilient value chains, and unlock the full economic potential of our continent.”
President Mnangagwa said the engagements must deliver concrete outcomes for citizens of both countries.
“As we look into the future, we share the desire for the true independence of our economies, where our people benefit from the rich resources of our continent for a higher quality of life, especially for women and young people. Our engagements therefore, present us with an opportunity to translate our strong historic bonds into practical economic dividends to scale up the modernisation, industrialisation and sustainable development of our two countries. Opportunities exist for stronger business-to-business economic cooperation to upscale our bilateral cooperation,” he said.
He highlighted growing collaboration between Zimbabwean and Ghanaian firms, particularly in agriculture and food value chains, as evidence of the potential for private sector-driven growth.
“These are a testament of how our private sectors can collaborate to deliver African solutions to African challenges, towards enhancing food security, agriculture resilience and climate change mitigation. The numerous opportunities in other sectors such as mining, provide avenues for mutually beneficial public and private sector partnerships in our jurisdictions. We must accelerate the beneficiation and value addition of all our minerals and natural resources, our God-given birth-right of resources endowment,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also called for stronger global solidarity and multilateral cooperation in addressing emerging challenges.
“Zimbabwe stands ready to play its part for the realisation of global peace, security, justice and equitable development, that leaves no people or nation behind. Your Excellency, we count on the continued unwavering support of the great nation of Ghana, in Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council 2027-2028,” he said.
Zimbabwe and Ghana share deep-rooted ties dating back to the anti-colonial struggle, with the State visit expected to further cement relations through the signing of memoranda of understanding across key sectors.
