Zimbabwe, Zambia stronger together

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has emphasised the close historical, cultural, and economic ties between Zimbabwe and Zambia, saying the two nations are "stronger together" as they seek to accelerate development and regional integration.

Speaking at the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, President Mnangagwa highlighted the need to leverage shared resources and opportunities to drive economic growth and improve citizens' quality of life.

During the meeting, the two countries signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering Diplomatic Training, Labour and Employment, Youth Affairs, Immigration and Technical Cooperation, Agriculture, and the Signing of Agreed Minutes. The agreements aim to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, transport, infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, education, and skills development.

President Mnangagwa underlined the importance of peace, security, and stability as prerequisites for sustainable development, noting ongoing collaboration between the two countries' defence and security forces to address threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime.

He highlighted agriculture as a key area for joint development, citing Zimbabwe's robust programmes to achieve household food security, promote value addition, and mitigate climate change impacts through water harvesting and irrigation support for smallholder farmers.

In mining and energy, the President urged officials to explore opportunities arising from the green energy revolution and global value chains, ensuring that both countries' natural resources benefit local economies and communities. In tourism, he called for joint marketing and better integration of key attractions such as Victoria Falls, benefiting both nations and their local communities.

On education and skills development, President Mnangagwa stressed collaboration in vocational and technical training to equip young people to drive industrialisation and modernisation in both countries.

The President also expressed gratitude to Zambia for supporting Zimbabwe's bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2027–2028 and for advocating the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe.

Concluding his remarks, President Mnangagwa called for sustained commitment to implementing the signed MoUs, urging both governments to enhance cooperation and synergy for the prosperity of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The BNC was attended by ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials from both countries.