Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana’s President, Duma Gideon Boko are set to jointly preside over the 5th Session of the Zimbabwe–Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) during a State Visit to Zimbabwe.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said President Boko will undertake a State Visit to Zimbabwe from April 21 to 23, 2026, marking a key moment in bilateral relations.
“The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and His Excellency President Duma Gideon Boko will jointly preside over the 5th Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), at which deliberations will focus on transformative areas of cooperation, including trade and investment; agriculture and food security; infrastructure, transport and logistics development; energy; tourism; strengthening of health systems; and the deepening of people-to-people relations, including through skills development and human capital enhancement.”
The two leaders are expected to provide strategic direction to accelerate the implementation of joint programmes and projects, with emphasis on unlocking cross-border economic opportunities, strengthening value chains and enhancing regional connectivity.
According to the Ministry, preparatory engagements will begin with Senior Officials’ Meetings on April 19 and 20, followed by a Ministerial Segment on April 21, co-chaired by Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira and Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale.
In addition to the BNC, President Boko is scheduled to officiate as Guest of Honour at the opening of the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), to be held on April 23 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
The Ministry said the visit underscores the enduring bonds of friendship and shared history between Zimbabwe and Botswana, as well as a mutual commitment to regional integration, peace and stability under frameworks such as the Southern African Development Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Officials said Zimbabwe is ready to receive President Boko and his delegation, reiterating the country’s commitment to strengthening a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations.
