Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Int Trade@MoFA_ZW
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𝐙𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐰𝐞, 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐢-𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
Zimbabwe and Botswana have reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties following the successful conclusion of the 5th Session of the Zimbabwe–Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired this Wednesday by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Botswana counterpart, President Duma Boko.
The high-level meeting, held during President Boko’s historic state visit to Zimbabwe, brought together senior officials, ministers, and heads of state to review progress and map the way forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Addressing delegates at the BNC, H.E President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa described the session as “successful and productive,” highlighting the deep-rooted historical bonds between the two neighbouring countries. He noted that Zimbabwe and Botswana share “a rich history underpinned by cultural affinities, geographic proximity, and a common heritage,” which continues to anchor their growing partnership.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across key sectors, including trade and investment, energy, agriculture, mining, transport, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Emphasis was placed on removing tariff and non-tariff barriers, modernizing border infrastructure, and improving regional connectivity to boost cross-border trade.
In a significant move aimed at easing travel, the two countries proposed to work towards allowing citizens to use national identity cards instead of passports when crossing borders, an initiative expected to enhance mobility and people-to-people interaction.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the session, covering areas such as defence and security, livestock management, civil aviation, transport and logistics, small and medium enterprises, and cultural cooperation and both leaders stressed the urgency of implementing these agreements to ensure tangible benefits for citizens.
On security, Zimbabwe and Botswana pledged to strengthen collaboration in combating cross-border crime and enhancing border management systems. In agriculture, Zimbabwe expressed appreciation for Botswana’s support in providing livestock vaccines to combat transboundary animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease.
The two nations also committed to deepening cooperation in health, infrastructure development, and energy, including exploring renewable energy projects and improving regional supply networks to support industrial growth.
President Mnangagwa called for a “whole-of-government approach” to accelerate implementation, urging ministries and agencies to break silos and prioritize delivery. He expressed confidence that by the next BNC session, scheduled to be held in Botswana, both countries would report measurable progress in trade volumes and joint projects.
President Boko echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action. He challenged both governments to move beyond dialogue and deliver results within shortened timelines.
“We are not here to describe what should be done; we are here to demonstrate what has been done,” he said, urging a results-driven approach to governance and cooperation.
President Boko also called on the media to highlight positive developments within Africa, encouraging coverage that reflects the continent’s progress and resilience rather than perpetuating negative stereotypes.
The 5th BNC session marks another milestone in Zimbabwe–Botswana relations, signaling a renewed commitment to regional integration, economic growth, and improved livelihoods for citizens in both countries.
𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐔𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
✅ MoU on Defence Cooperation and Training Exchange
✅ MoU on Police Cooperation in Combating Livestock Theft and Cross-Border Crimes
✅ MoU on Immigration Cooperation
✅ MoU on Prisons and Correctional Services
✅ MoU on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons
Agreement on the Coordination of Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services
✅ Agreement on Cooperation and Assistance in Civil Aircraft Accident and Serious Incident Investigation
✅ MoU on Economic, Trade, and Investment Promotion
✅ MoU on Collaboration with the Museum of African Liberation
