Zimbabwe, UAE Strengthen Economic Cooperation at World Governments Summit

Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates have reiterated their shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation following high-level talks held in Dubai on the margins of the World Governments Summit.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Professor Dr. Amon Murwira, held bilateral discussions with the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, His Excellency Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on enhancing trade, investment, and broader economic collaboration between the two countries.

During the meeting, Prof. Murwira conveyed Zimbabwe’s appreciation for the strong and enduring relationship with the United Arab Emirates, describing the partnership as warm, constructive, and strategically important. He highlighted the need to further strengthen economic engagement to ensure shared growth and mutual benefit.

The Minister noted that the UAE has emerged as Zimbabwe’s leading export destination, underlining its growing importance as a key economic partner. He emphasised that significant opportunities remain to expand trade volumes and investment flows between the two nations.

Prof. Murwira also pointed out Zimbabwe’s strategic position as a gateway to major regional and continental markets, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), making it an attractive hub for UAE-based investors seeking access to Africa.

Highlighting Zimbabwe’s investment potential, the Minister cited the country’s abundant mineral resources, productive agricultural sector, diverse tourism offerings, and developing industrial capacity. He welcomed the growing presence of UAE investors across sectors such as hospitality, renewable energy, real estate, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.

The discussions further reviewed progress towards finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Prof. Murwira confirmed that Zimbabwe has received the draft agreement, which reflects the mutual intention to elevate bilateral trade and investment relations to a more advanced level.

He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to conclude the CEPA within the next three months, noting that the agreement would significantly boost economic cooperation while enhancing investor confidence. The finalisation of the CEPA, he said, aligns with Zimbabwe’s development vision anchored on the principle that the country is “Open for Business.”

In closing, Prof. Murwira stressed Zimbabwe’s readiness to maintain close engagement, open dialogue, and cooperation with the United Arab Emirates as both countries move towards concluding the CEPA. He underscored the importance of economic diplomacy as a catalyst for increased trade, investment, and sustainable development for both nations.

Bilateral trade between Zimbabwe and the UAE has expanded rapidly in recent years, with trade volumes reaching an estimated US$2 billion in 2022, reflecting strengthened economic ties under the Second Republic led by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

Both countries continue to prioritise economic diplomacy, which has already facilitated growth in trade and cooperation in investment, education, culture, and tourism. As Zimbabwe’s economy evolves, the United Arab Emirates is increasingly positioned as a critical partner, with both sides committed to exploring new avenues for mutually beneficial collaboration.