MINSK, Belarus – Zimbabwe is exploring opportunities to broaden its heavy machinery partnership with Belarus as part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure development, improve public service delivery, and equip the country’s 92 local authorities with modern equipment.
The discussions took place during a high-level visit by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, to the Amkador industrial manufacturing plant in Minsk on Thursday.
Minister Garwe was accompanied by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Belarus, Ignatius Mudzimba, and the Chief Director of Civil Protection, Nathan Nkomo. The delegation held meetings with company executives and toured production facilities to assess equipment that could support municipal services, road construction, and public transport operations in Zimbabwe.
During the visit, Amkador Director-General Aleksandar Efimov highlighted the growing economic cooperation between the two countries, noting that business engagements are being facilitated through Aftrade DMCC, which operates as Bison in Zimbabwe.
“Our relationship is no longer just guided by politics, Minister. It is driven by concrete economic endeavors, exactly as envisioned by our two Presidents,” Mr. Efimov said.
Minister Garwe said the strong diplomatic ties between Zimbabwe and Belarus should continue to produce tangible benefits for citizens through infrastructure development and improved service delivery.
“The cordial relationship between our nations is excellent. But seeing this machinery proves how that friendship translates into real results. I have 92 local authorities and a Public Works Department to manage. This equipment is the vital cog we need to upgrade social service delivery for our people,” Minister Garwe said.
Zimbabwe is reportedly considering expanding existing agreements beyond emergency services equipment to include additional machinery for road construction and municipal operations.
While inspecting the spare-parts section of the facility, Minister Garwe stressed that equipment reliability and maintenance support would remain key considerations in any future procurement arrangements.
“The equipment is only as good as its uptime. That is why the after-care service and backup spare parts provided by Aftrade are so crucial to us. It gives our local councils confidence,” Minister Garwe warned.
The Minister also encouraged greater participation by Zimbabwe’s private sector, urging local businesses to establish partnerships with Belarusian manufacturers to support investment and reduce pressure on government resources.
“The government cannot do this alone. The Zimbabwean private sector must step up and actively engage their counterparts here in Belarus,” Hon. Garwe told business representatives accompanying the delegation.
The Zimbabwean delegation further toured facilities producing passenger buses and cargo vehicles. Belarusian officials expressed interest in increasing exports of buses and heavy-duty trucks to Zimbabwe through existing trade channels.
Responding to Belarusian industry officials, Minister Garwe said Zimbabwe’s visit was focused on both learning from Belarusian industrial expertise and securing practical outcomes.
“We are here in Belarus to learn new ideas and best practices, as well as to conclude definitive business deals.”
Before concluding the visit, Minister Garwe pledged to engage relevant government ministries upon his return to Zimbabwe to explore ways of strengthening cooperation and expanding the scope of the partnership.
He said consultations would be held with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, as well as Industry and Commerce, to evaluate opportunities for scaling up collaboration and enhancing operational capacity between the two countries.
