Story by Tino Zirongwe
ZIMBABWE and Zambia have reaffirmed their shared boundary on Lake Kariba through a landmark boundary exercise, reinforcing bilateral relations and advancing regional integration during joint Africa Border Day commemorations in Kariba this Tuesday.
The commemorations brought together officials from both countries to strengthen cooperation on boundary management, promote cross-border trade and enhance regional integration.
A key highlight was the launch of floating boundary markers (buoys) on Lake Kariba, a move aimed at clearly defining the international boundary while transforming border areas into zones of cooperation and economic integration.
Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Lands and Rural Development, Dr Prosper Matondi said the exercise marks the first technically precise demarcation of the international boundary on Lake Kariba.
“This is the first demarcation of an international border with precision by technical experts on Lake Kariba. We have completed the pilot phase and intend to cover approximately 280 kilometres. It is also important that local communities are involved because they live, trade and conduct business across the lake. Clearly defined boundaries will make it easier for administrative and security authorities to address any issues that arise while facilitating trade and movement between the two countries,” he said.
Zambia’s Acting Permanent Secretary for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Kasonde Mwila said the installation of floating buoys would improve boundary management and strengthen cooperation.
“The buoys will clearly indicate the boundary on the lake, making it easier for people to know where the border lies. This will help prevent accidental or illegal crossings and improve the management of boundary-related issues. Our boundary should not divide us but should strengthen cooperation between our two countries. Zimbabwe and Zambia share a long-standing relationship,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Zambezi River Authority, Engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa, said this year’s African Union theme highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management.
“This year’s African Union theme, ‘Ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063’, is particularly relevant to Lake Kariba. Water is central to human dignity, public health, food security, energy production, climate resilience and economic transformation,” he said.
African Union Regional Desk Officer Ms Oyeyemi Helen Odejinmi said Africa’s borders should serve as platforms for cooperation rather than division.
“African borders can become bridges of cooperation, integration and shared prosperity. The African Union Border Programme focuses on three pillars: the delimitation and demarcation of African boundaries, the promotion of cross-border cooperation for regional integration, and capacity development in border management and governance,” she said.
Africa Border Day promotes cooperation, peaceful coexistence and regional integration among African Union member states. It is commemorated annually on 7 June following its adoption by the African Union in 2010, with the inaugural celebrations held in 2011.
