Story by Theophilus Chuma
ZIMBABWE and Botswana have moved to deepen bilateral cooperation, with senior government officials meeting in Harare ahead of the 5th Bi-National Commission (BNC) aimed at unlocking trade, investment and sectoral collaboration between the two countries.
The preparatory meeting, held on Sunday, sets the tone for the BNC session running from Sunday to Wednesday, bringing together officials to refine agreements and accelerate implementation of joint programmes.
Co-chairperson of the senior officials and Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, said both countries are seeking to unlock untapped economic potential, particularly in trade and investment.
“In the area of trade and investment, both countries have recognised that current trade volumes remain below potential. There is therefore a shared commitment to enhance trade facilitation through the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, improved border management and more efficient customs procedures,” he said.
He added that both nations are exploring opportunities to strengthen value chains across key sectors.
“Opportunities also exist to enhance beneficiation and jointly develop value chains in mining, agriculture and manufacturing, while leveraging the SADC and African Continental Free Trade Area agreements to expand market access,” Ambassador Chimbindi noted.
Agriculture is also high on the agenda, with both countries prioritising livestock health and export security.
“In agriculture, cooperation will focus on strengthening veterinary services, particularly in the control of transboundary animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease. This will involve collaboration in surveillance, vaccine production and research,” he said.
Transport and logistics are expected to underpin the success of these initiatives.
“Discussions will therefore focus on improving cross-border infrastructure, enhancing border post efficiency and strengthening regional transport corridors to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services,” Ambassador Chimbindi added.
Botswana’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Relations, Ambassador Thuso Ramodosi, said the BNC remains a critical platform for consolidating ties between the two nations.
“It is a great pleasure to convene once again, this time in Harare, following the mid-term review of the first session of the BNC during April and July 2025. We emerged from the review with renewed commitment to advance cooperation between our two sister republics,” he said.
Ambassador Ramodosi indicated that tangible outcomes are expected from the current session.
“As we commence our fifth session, I am pleased to note that several instruments are on course to be signed during the BNC, while others require acceleration. This session will advance deliberations aimed at accelerating progress in strategic areas of cooperation,” he said.
Key focus areas include agriculture, health, energy, education, tourism, infrastructure development and border security.
The BNC will be co-chaired by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana’s President Duma Boko, underscoring high-level political commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Officials say the platform reflects a shared determination by the two neighbouring countries to advance regional integration and deliver mutually beneficial economic outcomes.
