HARARE — Policymakers, investors, and business leaders from Zimbabwe and Zambia met in Harare on November 1 for the Zimbabwe-Zambia Business Forum, held alongside the Zimbabwe–Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC), to strengthen economic cooperation between the neighbouring countries.
Organised by ZimTrade, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), the forum focused on expanding trade, promoting investment, and building regional value chains across key sectors.
Key Takeaways:
- Trade Growth: Zimbabwe’s exports to Zambia rose from US$52.56 million in 2019 to US$144.76 million in 2024 (175% increase), while imports grew from US$112.75 million to US$315.40 million (180% increase). Main goods include agricultural produce, processed foods, metals, machinery, and industrial inputs.
- Target Sectors: Agriculture, agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, renewable energy, and tourism were prioritised for collaboration.
- Investment & Industrialisation: The forum highlighted opportunities for joint ventures, improved market access, and sustainable industrial development.
- Tourism Cooperation: Under the “One Destination, Two Nations” initiative, both countries aim to promote shared attractions such as Victoria Falls, diversify offerings, and increase visitor arrivals.
- Government Alignment: The forum complements the BNC, which elevates bilateral engagement to Head-of-State level, with expected agreements in trade facilitation, transport, investment promotion, energy cooperation, and environmental management.
“All enterprises from both countries stand to benefit from collaboration that promotes value addition and trade flows,” said ZimTrade CEO Allan Majuru, adding that the forum strengthens private-sector participation in regional economic integration.
The business forum combined government policy discussions with practical business engagements, generating partnerships in supply, distribution, and technology transfer, while addressing trade facilitation and financing mechanisms to make cross-border commerce more efficient.
