Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is on the verge of cementing a promising economic partnership with Tajikistan following a fruitful diplomatic and investment mission led by Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga.
The high-level engagements have sparked keen interest from Tajikistan’s President, Emomali Rahmon, who has since requested a formal meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to fast-track cooperation plans.
VP Chiwenga is currently in Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital, where he is attending a series of economic cooperation meetings as well as the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation.
The trip forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to strengthen economic diplomacy, explore new international partnerships, and enhance development through sustainable cooperation.
Speaking after meeting President Rahmon, VP Chiwenga described the talks as productive and forward-looking.
“We discussed a wide range of issues, highlighting the growing closeness between Zimbabwe and Tajikistan through our political and diplomatic cooperation. Now we are advancing into the economic sphere,” he said.
A key area of interest is energy cooperation. Tajikistan is globally renowned for its clean and sustainable hydropower generation; a sector Zimbabwe is eager to tap into as domestic electricity demand increases.
“We are particularly interested in the energy sector, as Tajikistan is renowned for its green energy initiatives. No country can develop without energy, and they are among the best in the world. Their new dam project will take them even higher,” said VP Chiwenga.
Beyond energy, Zimbabwe is also exploring cooperation in agriculture and environmental management—areas in which Tajikistan has considerable expertise.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are already in the pipeline and expected to be signed in the near future.
“President Rahmon extended his greetings to President Mnangagwa and invited him to Tajikistan to expedite the implementation of our discussions. They are eager to share their knowledge in any area of our interest,” VP Chiwenga added.
President Rahmon’s decision to briefly step away from the ongoing UN Glaciers’ Summit to meet VP Chiwenga underscores the strategic importance both countries are placing on this budding alliance.
As Zimbabwe aims for upper-middle-income status by 2030, such partnerships are seen as key to unlocking new technologies, diversifying the economy, and securing sustainable energy solutions for the future.
The collaboration signals a shift towards strategic, knowledge-based partnerships that will enhance Zimbabwe’s self-reliance and global competitiveness.
