Harare, (New Ziana) – Since the elevation of cooperation between Zimbabwe and Botswana to a Bi-National Commission, tangible, practical, and transformational results have been evident across a broad spectrum of sectors, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Tuesday.
He was addressing guests at banquet he hosted in honour of visiting Botswana President Duma Boko at the State House in Harare.
“Notable milestones have been reached in the fields of vaccines and livestock health. Cooperation in the agriculture sector continues to build resilience, strengthen food security, and empower youth and women for sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
“On our part, we stand ready to scale up partnerships with regard to the provision of essential medicines and medical consumables. This reciprocal cooperation reflects the true spirit of Ubuntu, and is what it ought to be between good neighbours and true brothers,” he added.
Zimbabwe and Botswana are home to some of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems, from the Okavango Delta and Hwange National Park to the majestic Mosi-oa-Tunya, Victoria Falls, and Chobe National Park.
“Within this vast and interconnected landscape, our shared wildlife heritage moves freely, unrestricted by the boundaries imposed by colonial history. Ongoing efforts to jointly develop the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area for shared prosperity must see us unlock the immense potential of tourism within our two countries. Our unique natural endowments must lift many more people out of poverty into a higher quality of life,” President Mnangagwa said.
On trade and investment relations, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and Botswana are registering steady and encouraging progress, before calling for the leveraging of the countries’ respective strengths and opportunities to position their economies as competitive and integrated hubs within the region under the African Continental Free Trade Area and SADC.
During his visit, President Boko will officially open the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), which is being held under the theme: ‘Connected Economies, Competitive Industries.’
President Mnangagwa said the reciprocal participation in the two countries’ flagship trade exhibitions, including Zimbabwe’s presence at Global Expo Botswana and Botswana’s strong participation at the ZITF, has provided a practical platform for showcasing products, fostering partnerships, and unlocking new market opportunities.
“These efforts have resulted in the conclusion of trade deals and the expansion of export opportunities across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services. I am aware that a notable contingent of businesses from Botswana are exhibiting at the ZITF. We thank you for this support.
“Your presence at this premier trade showcase reflects the shared prioritisation of industrialisation and modernisation of our respective jurisdictions, anchored on our rich natural endowments and our people. It is equally reflective of the commitment we have towards deepening bilateral relations, broadening economic cooperation, and advancing regional integration,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe remains dedicated to working closely with Botswana at the bilateral level, as well as in regional, continental, and international fora, to promote peace, stability, and a just global order founded on the sovereign equality of nations.
New Ziana
