Zimbabwe completes Commonwealth re-admission steps

Zimbabwe has successfully completed all the procedural steps required for re-admission into the Commonwealth and is now awaiting further direction from the organisation's secretariat, a senior government official has confirmed.

The milestone marks a significant step in the country's diplomatic re-engagement agenda, spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa under the Second Republic's foreign policy of building partnerships with all nations and multilateral institutions.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, in line with constitutional obligations and the country's reform-driven development strategy.

"Section 12 (2) of Zimbabwe's Constitution emphasises our obligation to engage with regional and international organisations that promote peaceful economic, social, and cultural cooperation," said Professor Murwira. "This is the basis upon which we made the decision to apply for readmission into the Commonwealth, having voluntarily withdrawn in 2003."

Zimbabwe officially submitted its expression of interest to rejoin the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states, several years ago. Since then, it has undergone the four-step process required for re-entry, which includes an informal assessment by the Secretary-General, consultations with existing members, an invitation to formally apply, and the submission of evidence demonstrating a commitment to democratic values and widespread public support.

"Zimbabwe undertook all four steps following our expression of interest," Murwira told legislators. "We have also submitted comprehensive reports detailing progress under our reform agenda aligned with Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy."

The minister noted that the Commonwealth Secretariat had conducted multiple study visits to Zimbabwe with the full cooperation of the Government, and compiled a report acknowledging the country's reform milestones since 2017. These include political, legal, and economic reforms intended to improve governance, restore investor confidence, and align with Commonwealth principles.

"The Secretariat undertook all the study visits it required with the concurrence of the Government of Zimbabwe and came up with the recommendations that were presented to member states," said Professor Murwira. "The current position by the Government is that we now await communication from the Commonwealth Secretariat on the next steps."

He underscored Zimbabwe's readiness for constructive and respectful dialogue with the Commonwealth and its member states, reiterating the Mnangagwa administration's diplomatic doctrine of being "a friend to all and an enemy to none."

Zimbabwe's efforts to rejoin the Commonwealth have drawn significant international interest and are widely viewed as a pivotal component of its broader re-engagement campaign to reposition the country on the global stage.

The country exited the Commonwealth in 2003 following disagreements over governance issues. Its renewed bid for membership is expected to open doors for enhanced diplomatic ties, trade relations, and access to technical cooperation programmes offered by the Commonwealth.