Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Mozambique have had excellent political relations since our independence, which Mozambique did much to support, and trade and communications ties date back to the colonial era.
However, business ties—meaning Zimbabweans and Mozambicans working together to build new economic sectors, new enterprises, and new integrated infrastructure—need to be strengthened.
A Bi-National Commission has now been established, with its inaugural meeting concluding at the weekend, and the two private sectors have set up a Mozambique-Zimbabwe Business Forum to transform the simple transactional business that has dominated relations for decades into something with much greater depth and investment.
The commission meeting explored a wide variety of possible additional cooperation in areas such as energy, transport, mining, farming, health, the development of new smaller businesses, and joint use of technology.
Practical ideas discussed include a dry-port facility at Beira, expanding the range of products that can be shipped in bond through the port, further modernisation of the pipeline first built in the early 1960s, and upgrading the Forbes-Machipanda Border Post into a one-stop post with modern technologies to allow the rapid movement of goods between the two countries.
The discussions yielded specific conclusions on Women Empowerment and Gender Equality, Youth Development, and Small and Medium Enterprises.
These aspects are crucial, as they involve groups that are under-represented in regional business and trade.
Including them from the outset indicates a determination by both countries not to leave anyone behind.
This approach ensures that as the commission progresses through a wide range of other issues, everyone is involved from the beginning rather than having to be included later.
President Mnangagwa has consistently emphasised converting the diplomatic language of agreements into practical measures. The paperwork serves merely as a framework; what is essential is providing real opportunities for the people who are meant to benefit.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo also stressed the importance of the practical application of the agreements and discussions, emphasising the need for everyone on both sides of the border to benefit.
Among the measures were the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, effectively creating something akin to a single market.
This initiative is already in the pipeline with the African Continental Free Trade Area, but Zimbabwe and Mozambique are keen to go further.
There is already significant additional business between the two countries, with Mozambique now having an energy surplus due to the construction of natural gas power stations.
Zimbabwe, with its electricity deficits, is able to access this surplus.
Beira is the natural port for Zimbabwe, with Maputo being the second nearest, so upgrading these two corridors seems essential.
Increased traffic will lead to more business, and developing both ports will benefit Mozambique as well as Zimbabwe.
Most business ties between the two countries have been built on the relationship between a port provider and a port user, which is beneficial but leaves many other opportunities largely untapped.
For instance, some in the tourism sector have been advocating for greater joint investment for years.
From the Zimbabwean side, a deeper relationship between the two tourism sectors and between tourism investors means enhanced access to sea coasts, beaches and the ocean.
From the Mozambican perspective, it offers a wider range of natural attractions.
More joint investment and marketing could present international tourists seeking a diverse set of experiences with a broader array of choices, especially if border post formalities were minimal.
Domestic tourism would also flourish if Zimbabweans could access beaches as well as mountains during their travels eastward.
Joint security was also addressed in the talks.
Both countries have recognised for years that they cannot separate their security concerns.
This interdependence was one reason why Mozambique contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s liberation war, as it needed a free Zimbabwe on its western border.
Zimbabwe played a crucial role in supporting Mozambique when remnants of the apartheid regime in South Africa were causing difficulties.
Zimbabwe required those corridors to the sea and access to ports, as well as a stable and free Mozambique.
Even now, Zimbabwe is part of the SADC initiative assisting Mozambique in dealing with banditry in the far north. We cannot stand aside from each other’s concerns.
The primary gains observed this weekend with the upgraded Bi-National Commission and the parallel Mozambique-Zimbabwe Business Forum was a renewed commitment from both countries, their Presidents and Governments, supported by their business communities, to convert the potential of these two neighbours—who have so much to offer—into tangible outcomes that will see the two peoples advancing together towards a brighter future.
