Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]
BOTSWANA President Duma Boko has described Zimbabwe’s economic rebound as a powerful signal of renewal, saying the country’s robust growth momentum is restoring regional confidence and repositioning Zimbabwe as a rising economic force in Southern Africa and the wider African continent.
According to International Monetary Fund data released last week, Zimbabwe’s economy expanded by an estimated 7,5 percent in 2025, surpassing the Government’s earlier projection of 6,6 percent, with the positive momentum extending into 2026.
The figures, published in the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook, come at a time when the global financial institution has signalled renewed confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic recovery, providing a significant endorsement of the country’s reform programme.
The stronger-than-anticipated growth outcome has been underpinned by favourable global gold prices, a rebound in platinum and lithium production, as well as notable efficiency gains following the rollout of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s digital Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS).
Officially opening the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo yesterday, President Boko said Zimbabwe’s recent economic trajectory reflected a decisive turnaround grounded in macroeconomic stability and consistent policy implementation.
“We appreciate that Zimbabwe is rising and the Zimbabwean economy is now buoyant.
“It has grown in the year 2025 at a place starting at 6,6 percent. We trust that the Minister of Finance will steward it to greater arms,” he said.
President Boko also commended President Mnangagwa for providing leadership that has enabled the delivery of sound and disciplined economic policies.
“I would like to seize this moment to congratulate His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe and the competent people of this Republic on the progress achieved in macroeconomic stabilisation.
“This phenomenal growth of the economy inspires confidence, not just in your country but in the region.
“And ultimately, we hope it will inspire confidence in our continent, the African continent. I assure you, Your Excellency, the world is watching. It is watching as your leadership is steering the country towards not just sustainable but inclusive economic growth,” he said.
However, President Boko emphasised that the true test of success would be measured by the extent to which economic growth improves the lives of ordinary citizens.
“We trust that this economy will grow for them (citizens) as well as they are truly included in this growth. This event, this ZITF has for over six decades served as a cornerstone for trade, investment and disaster collaboration,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s flagship trade exhibition has once again attracted exhibitors, investors and business leaders from across the region and beyond, reinforcing its status as a key platform for economic engagement.
Running from April 20 to tomorrow under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” the ZITF has continued to cement its position as one of sub-Saharan Africa’s leading multi-sectoral trade showcases. This year’s programme has focused strongly on business-to-business engagement and regional integration, with major highlights including the Rural Industrialisation Indaba, the ZITF Innovators Forum, the Connect Africa Symposium, the Youth in Business Festival and the Diplomats Forum.
President Boko also used the occasion to underscore the deepening economic ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana, describing the two neighbours as “kith and kin” united by shared history and a collective vision for regional prosperity.
“As neighbours, Botswana and Zimbabwe share more than just a border. We share history, we share culture and a collective vision for a prosperous and integrated Africa. Our bilateral co-operation continues to deepen across strategic sectors that include trade and investment, agriculture, energy, transport, health, tourism and infrastructure development,” he said.
He noted that co-operation between the two countries continues to expand across key economic sectors, reflecting growing synergy between the two economies. “These ties are reinforced not only through formal diplomatic engagement but also through vibrant people-to-people connections and increasingly integrated private sectors,” he said.
President Boko further commended the strong presence of Botswana businesses and Government agencies at this year’s ZITF, saying such participation plays a crucial role in expanding market access and strengthening bilateral economic co-operation.
“We are sisters. We are kith and kin and Zimbabwe remains a critical trading partner for Botswana, particularly as one of our non-diamond key destinations for exports,” he said.
Highlighting the growing role of the private sector, President Boko said expanding commercial linkages were already delivering tangible benefits, citing Botswana-based firms supplying construction materials for Zimbabwe’s infrastructure projects.
He also applauded the reciprocal participation of Zimbabwean companies and institutions at Global Expo Botswana, saying such cross-border engagements are vital in unlocking new markets and enhancing trade flows.
“I know that exhibitors, companies and agencies from Zimbabwe also participate in our international trade fair, the Global Expo Botswana. We are brothers,” he said.
President Boko said the longstanding relationship between Zimbabwe and Botswana, forged during the liberation struggle, continues to provide a strong foundation for deeper economic collaboration.
