Trump to send delegation to Zimbabwe

United States President Donald Trump is expected to send a delegation to Zimbabwe for talks with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in what could mark a significant reset in relations between Harare and Washington.

The development follows recent engagements between Mnangagwa, American businesspeople and government officials on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York last month.

Zanu PF spokesperson Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa confirmed to The Sunday Mail that discussions with American officials were continuing.

He said Mnangagwa held a more than hour-long meeting with Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman of Indiana on the sidelines of UNGA.

"The American legislator described the discussions as eye-opening, cordial and promising," Mutsvangwa said.

According to Mutsvangwa, the meeting was held at Stutzman's request, with the congressman travelling to New York specifically for the engagement with Mnangagwa.

"After the meeting with President Mnangagwa and reporting back to President Trump, he lost no time in broaching the idea of an impromptu congress-cum-business delegation to Zimbabwe," he said.

Mutsvangwa and Ronald Kovach, deputy chief of staff to Congressman Stutzman, said in a recent joint statement that Zimbabwe was positioning itself as a key player in the global energy transition, particularly through the local processing of critical minerals.

Under Mnangagwa's "Zimbabwe is Open for Business" policy, the country is seeking American, Western and regional investors to establish strategic partnerships in mineral extraction and local processing.

The initiative is aimed at increasing domestic value addition while attracting foreign capital and strengthening Zimbabwe's position in global mineral supply chains.

The improving engagement has also coincided with the United States including Zimbabwe in its tariff-rate quota system for raw sugar exports.

Zimbabwe has been allocated 813 tonnes under the 2027 tranche, giving the country duty-free access to the lucrative US market.

The quota system is already used by several African countries, including Eswatini, South Africa, Mauritius, Mozambique and Malawi.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Albert Chimbindi also confirmed that Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira recently met Stutzman.

"They had a fruitful meeting, which demonstrated a shared desire on both sides to deepen relations between the two countries," Chimbindi said.

He said the two sides agreed to work together to address issues that had hindered the development of stronger relations between Zimbabwe and the US.

The officials also discussed the possibility of high-level visits between the two countries.

"Once the exchange of visits begins, whoever is selected by the US to visit Zimbabwe will, I am almost certain, have an opportunity to meet with the President, provided that his (President Mnangagwa) schedule permits," Chimbindi said.

The renewed engagement is also reportedly being pursued with the involvement of Massad Boulos, a senior Trump administration adviser for Arab and African Affairs at the State Department.

Boulos, who has longstanding investment interests in Nigeria, has also been involved in efforts to improve relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States.

South African Prince Sivile Mabandla, who serves as Mnangagwa's special envoy on land and investment, has also played a role in the diplomatic and investment engagements.

"Zimbabwe's journey is one of resilience, unity and economic rebirth. Where there were once barriers, we are building trade corridors. Where there was once conflict, we are establishing lasting peace for all Africans," Mabandla said.

The latest developments come as Mnangagwa's administration continues to pursue its engagement and re-engagement foreign policy, with trade and investment increasingly forming a central part of Zimbabwe's diplomatic strategy.

Analysts have described the recent interactions between Zimbabwean and American officials as significant, with the potential to usher in a new phase in bilateral relations.

The possible US delegation would come against the backdrop of renewed debate in Washington over the sanctions framework imposed on Zimbabwe.

Last year, a Bill seeking to repeal the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA) of 2001 was introduced in the US House of Representatives.

ZDERA has for more than two decades provided the legal framework for US restrictions on financial assistance to Zimbabwe through international financial institutions, including the IMF and World Bank.

If the current diplomatic and economic engagement continues to deepen, the expected US delegation could provide a further opportunity for Harare and Washington to address longstanding political and economic differences while exploring areas of mutual trade and investment interest.