Zimbabwe, Zambia Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties

Economic diplomacy between Zimbabwe and Zambia continues to bear fruit, with the two neighbouring countries pledging to deepen trade and investment cooperation following the Zimbabwe–Zambia Business Forum held in Harare on Thursday.

The engagement brought together government officials and private sector representatives from both nations to explore ways of boosting industrial growth, exports, and regional integration within the SADC bloc.

Zambia’s private sector delegates expressed confidence in the growing business relations, saying the platform would help unlock new investment opportunities.

“As the Zambian private sector, we believe stronger relations will drive development and transform our economic growth outlook,” said businessman Mr Fredrick Malambo.

Another investor, Mr Dhananjay Datar, echoed similar sentiments, noting that Zimbabwe presented viable opportunities for expansion. “I came to explore business prospects here, and I can clearly see the potential for growth and profitability that aligns with the forum’s objectives,” he said.

Zimbabwean business leaders also underscored the importance of enhanced collaboration. ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer, Mr Allan Majuru, said the forum was an ideal platform to strengthen ties between two economies with shared interests and economic structures.

“This engagement is critical because Zimbabwe and Zambia have many similarities. Working together allows us to identify practical areas of cooperation that can boost trade and investment,” he said.

Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) CEO, Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo, added that the two countries occupy a strategic position in southern Africa, making their partnership vital for regional development.

“We are focusing on identifying investment linkages that can promote job creation, export growth, and mutual prosperity. Zimbabwe is committed to expanding its business footprint in Zambia,” he said.

The Zimbabwe–Zambia Business Forum was held as a precursor to the Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting set for Harare on Friday, where high-level discussions are expected to consolidate bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.