Story by Theophilus Chuma
ZIMBABWE and Botswana are poised to sign seven Memoranda of Agreement across strategic sectors, including agriculture, security, trade and investment, and defence, at the 5th Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Harare this Wednesday, as the two neighbours intensify efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and unlock shared economic value.
The high-level meeting will be co-chaired by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana’s President, Advocate Duma Boko, following preparatory engagements by senior government officials and ministers that have laid the groundwork for the summit.
The BNC remains a critical platform for policy coordination, investment promotion and strengthening diplomatic ties, with the latest session expected to mark another milestone in advancing economic and social cooperation between the two countries.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Professor Amon Murwira, underscored the need to prioritise value addition and industrialisation as drivers of growth.
“Our countries must deepen cooperation in energy security and the beneficiation of our mineral resources. The time of exporting raw minerals is over. We must focus on value-added products. By investing in value addition and sustainable processing, we can maximise the benefits of our natural endowments and drive industrialisation,” he said.
Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale said the BNC has proven to be an effective instrument for broad-based cooperation.
“As we convene for the fifth session of the BNC, I am pleased to note that it has proven to be an effective and valuable instrument in advancing cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, health, education, energy, immigration, transport, infrastructure development, trade and investment, as well as defence and security.
“Through a structured institutional framework, supported by a network of memoranda of understanding, bilateral agreements and high-level decisions, the BNC has enabled our two governments to unlock shared opportunities and jointly address common challenges.
“Notable among these are ongoing collaborative initiatives, including joint efforts to combat livestock diseases and other cross-border crimes, as well as the management of stray livestock.
“In this regard, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to accelerating and scaling up the implementation of agreed commitments, projects and initiatives that will deliver mutual benefits to our economies,” he said.
The session is also expected to build on existing trade facilitation measures that have already enabled Zimbabwean firms, such as Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited, to expand into the Botswana market.
With both countries seeking to enhance economic performance and regional integration, expectations are that the agreements to be signed will further broaden trade and investment opportunities while consolidating long-standing bilateral relations.
