Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe and Zambia continue to set a strong example of regional cooperation, with trade volumes between the two countries reaching an impressive US$390 million in 2024. The thriving bilateral trade relationship was celebrated in Lusaka during the recent Zimbabwe National Day festivities, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to mutual economic growth.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Zambia, Her Excellency Charity Charamba, underscored the importance of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) in driving this progress.
“The JPCC is a powerful platform that is enabling both nations to deepen economic collaboration. Through economic diplomacy, we are learning from each other and building stronger, more resilient economies,” she said.
The event’s Guest of Honour, Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, Honourable Felix Mutati, echoed this sentiment, describing the US$390 million trade volume as a clear indicator of strengthened relations.
“This is the highest trade volume we have seen with a regional partner. It reflects Zimbabwe’s strategic importance in our trade ecosystem and shows that we are not just shaping regional dynamics, but contributing meaningfully to continental development,” he noted.
Zimbabwean businesses have increasingly established a solid presence in Zambia, further cementing the strong ties.
Companies like Tendo Electronics praised the welcoming Zambian market.
“Our exports into Zambia are growing, and the business environment is encouraging. Enlightened Trading, operating in the tobacco sector, also acknowledged its contribution to Zambia’s tobacco industry, thanks to Zimbabwe’s depth of experience in the sector,” said a representative.
Educational cooperation is also thriving, particularly through the ED-UNZA scholarship programme, which has provided life-changing opportunities for many Zimbabwean students.
“I am one of the many students who’ve benefited from this scholarship. Studying in Zambia has opened up a world of opportunities for me,” said one recipient.
These growing partnerships are a direct result of Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement policy, which promotes peaceful and productive relations with all nations. The approach, anchored on the principle of being an enemy to none and a friend to all, is yielding tangible results—especially in regional trade and investment.
As both countries continue to prioritise economic diplomacy, the Zimbabwe-Zambia trade corridor stands as a shining example of how cooperation, trust, and shared development goals can drive real growth in southern Africa.
