Story by Theophilus Chuma
ZIMBABWE and Botswana have signed 10 Memoranda of Agreement at the 5th Bi-National Commission (BNC), marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing shared economic goals.
The agreements, concluded on Wednesday under the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission, are expected to deepen collaboration across trade, investment, security, and institutional development.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade and investment through a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Trade and Investment Promotion, aimed at removing barriers and improving business performance.
Cooperation in small, micro, and medium enterprises also featured prominently, with both nations seeking to enhance entrepreneurship and improve access to finance.
Security collaboration was reinforced through a Memorandum of Agreement on police cooperation to combat livestock theft and other cross-border crimes, which have been on the rise in recent years.
Additional agreements cover defence, immigration, and prisons and correctional services, strengthening coordination on border management and regional security.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, who read the joint communiqué, said focus will now shift to implementation.
“The two leaders reaffirmed their strong support of ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana and expressed their shared commitment to enhance these relations, grounded in common values, with a view to developing cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
The Heads of State and Government directed that the signed agreements be expeditiously implemented and that all outstanding instruments be finalised.
The two leaders noted ongoing investments in transport corridors, energy, and other infrastructure that enhance regional connectivity and trade.
The Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating the ease of doing business and movement of services between the two countries,” he said.
The BNC remains the highest institutional platform for cooperation between Zimbabwe and Botswana, underpinning broader regional integration and economic development efforts.
