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Gibson Nyikadzino Zimpapers Politics Hub
Zimbabwe and Botswana attach great importance to economic diplomacy, which is already propelling increased trade, regional integration and entrenching the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) principles.
In an exclusive interview with the Zimpapers Politics Hub ahead of the 61st Africa Day commemorations on Saturday, Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Madam Molosiwa said relations between the two friendly neighbouring countries are undergoing great transformation, and that despite illegal sanctions, “Zimbabwe is actually making it”.
She said the excellent cooperation being directed by President Mnangagwa and his counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, is one that shrugs off reliance on handouts.
“Zimbabwe and Botswana are emphasising the importance of economic diplomacy, hence encouraging partnerships between the two countries. By activating economic diplomacy and trade, it means we are getting ready to be also masterminds within the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Ambassador Molosiwa said.
The neighbouring country’s top envoy said the influence of President Mnangagwa’s mantra “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo” has its similar version in Botswana- which focuses on enhancing self-reliance and the empowerment of young people and rural women in the two countries.
“Gone are the days when we used to rely on Western countries to give us handouts. Gone are the days when we should be crying about sanctions. Sanctions, whether lifted or not, we want to show those who have introduced these illegal sanctions that we are able, capable, willing and we are going to make it. We are actually making it.
“The two governments must be working hand-in-hand to become regional trade and investment centres. It is possible because we are both endowed with minerals, Zimbabwe has a high-skilled workforce. Why cannot we take advantage of those resources and partner to develop our two countries and penetrate the regional and continental market,” added Ambassador Molosiwa.
She emphasized the important role young innovators and rural women play in ensuring economic creativity and food security, respectively, praising Zimbabwe’s “highly skilled manpower” and young people for creating machines that have been moved to Botswana for commissioning in various projects in Botswana.
“We have had some interaction with the University of Zimbabwe innovation hub to acquire machinery that is being fabricated by locals in Zimbabwe and this machinery is supposed to be commissioned to support groups of women in rural areas doing value addition in their projects where they are generating incomes. Some of these machines to make beverages are already in Botswana to empower women and value add the chain of their income generating products.
“I believe that our Governments are working very hard in making sure that the youth, who are our future leaders, are not going to just be given everything on the silver platter, but are meant to be creative with the talents they have. This helps them know that they can positively contribute to the economy,” the diplomat elaborated.
Ambassador Molosiwa promised to continue pursuing many areas of cooperation, collaboration and partnership that exist between her country and Zimbabwe.
“Our respective embassies have mandates from our respective principals to make sure that we articulate ourselves as much as possible towards contributing to the two countries’ transformation,” she added.
Online Reporter