Zambia and Zimbabwe Forge stronger ties Ahead:

In a landmark effort to strengthen bilateral relations, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe convened in Harare on November 14, 2025, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration and deeper connections between their nations.

A Solid Platform for Progress

Held in a spirit of warmth and camaraderie, the meeting underscored the enduring bonds of friendship, solidarity, and productive partnership that unite Zambia and Zimbabwe. Both leaders committed to ongoing dialogue and to expanding cooperation in areas of shared interest, both established and emerging.

Key Decisions: Building a Shared Future

Their discussions resulted in several pivotal agreements:

– Bi-National Commission: The countries will host the Second Session of the Bi-National Commission in Lusaka by November 2027.

– Facilitating Trade and Economic Growth: Both nations pledged to eliminate trade barriers, with Zimbabwe removing transit duties on petroleum products and addressing other obstacles in the 2026 National Budget.

– Border Management Advancements: Plans include installing floating buoys on Lake Kariba to clearly mark national boundaries and operating the Chirundu and Victoria Falls One Stop Border Posts around the clock by December 31, 2025.

– Energy Collaboration: Zimbabwe agreed to support Zambia’s regional electricity imports and to increase the capacity of power transfer.

– Enhanced Transport Links: The two sides highlighted the importance of improving transport connectivity to boost trade and attract investment.

– Formalizing Cooperation

Five Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed, spanning diplomatic training, immigration, labor, agriculture, and youth development.

– Moving Toward a Promising Tomorrow

This meeting was celebrated as a major stride in strengthening Zambia–Zimbabwe relations. President Mnangagwa commended President Hichilema’s leadership, while President Hichilema expressed heartfelt thanks for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his team.

With these renewed commitments, Zambia and Zimbabwe are poised for a future marked by robust partnership, mutual progress, and shared prosperity.