US announces policy shift on engaging Zimbabwe

The United States has announced a significant transformation in its relationship with Zimbabwe, signalling a shift from decades of donor-dependent engagement to a partnership centred on trade, investment and policy cooperation.

US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, said yesterday that Washington is moving toward a more "balanced and partnership-based" approach under President Donald Trump's administration—one that prioritises economic collaboration in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism and critical minerals.

In an interview, Ambassador Tremont emphasised that Zimbabwe holds strong potential as a commercial partner for American companies seeking new markets and secure supply chains.

"We are looking to partner with the Zimbabwean government on policy and trade issues across the board. And we think Zimbabwe could make a great partner," she said.

"The US has been a reliable and dependable partner for Zimbabwe for 45 years. We were the largest bilateral donor, including now, even after significant cuts in aid. But we are transitioning that relationship to one based on true partnership."

The shift comes as the Trump administration redefines US foreign policy, moving away from reliance on coercive diplomacy and ideological imposition, instead promoting mutual cooperation. The change also aligns with Zimbabwe's own re-engagement drive under President Mnangagwa's "friend to all and enemy to none" policy, which seeks to normalise relations with countries previously viewed as adversarial.

Ambassador Tremont noted that American companies could find lucrative opportunities in Zimbabwe's critical minerals sector if favourable conditions are established. She added that while the US will remain involved in the health sector, responsibility for major programs will be gradually transferred to the Zimbabwean government over the next five years.

Beyond economics, she said, the two countries would deepen cooperation on several policy fronts, including migration management, abuse of asylum systems, human trafficking, religious extremism and border security.

"There are several policy areas where we can work together more deeply. A huge one is migration… particularly trafficking in persons, which we know has been a problem in Zimbabwe. An issue in which we are pretty like-minded," she said.

With both countries signalling readiness for a new chapter, the recalibrated relationship is expected to open avenues for enhanced government-to-government dialogue, private sector growth and broader geopolitical cooperation.