Online Reporter
Michael Tome in Lusaka, Zambia
LOCAL companies must capitalise on the recently elevated bilateral ties between Zimbabwe and Zambia to secure opportunities, partnerships and export contracts in Zambia.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Zambia, Charity Charamba, said this while officially opening the Services Business Mission in Lusaka yesterday.
She said that the upgrading of relations under the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission (BNC) provides a stronger institutional framework for enhancing bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.
The inaugural Bi-National Commission was convened in November 2025 in Harare, during which President Hakainde Hichilema travelled to Zimbabwe to meet his counterpart, President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe and Zambia have historically enjoyed strong political and economic ties, buttressed by cooperation in strategic sectors such as infrastructure development, trade, energy and agriculture.
The three-day mission, which runs from June 9 to 11 and is organised by ZimTrade, has brought together Zimbabwean companies from the agriculture, construction, engineering, technology and professional services sectors to explore service opportunities in Zambia’s growing economy.
Ambassador Charamba said the elevation of bilateral relations demonstrates the commitment of the two governments to deepening economic integration and creating new opportunities for businesses in their countries.
She said the mission should serve as a platform for converting diplomatic goodwill into concrete business transactions and long-term commercial partnerships.
“We cherish the excellent bilateral relations between our two countries, which were elevated from the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission in November 2025.
“The purpose of this trade mission is to explore opportunities, meet potential partners and gain valuable insights into the Zambian market, leading to the establishment of lasting partnerships and the signing of lucrative contracts for the mutual benefit of our two sister countries.
“This mission should translate shared interests and opportunities into actual business,” said Ambassador Charamba.
She further highlighted agriculture as one of the key sectors offering significant collaboration opportunities, given that both countries are largely agro-based economies.
According to Ambassador Charamba, information sharing, technology transfer and cross-border partnerships could help improve agricultural productivity and enhance food security and value addition in both markets.
She also encouraged Zimbabwean entrepreneurs and service providers to take advantage of Zambia’s investment climate and expanding economy by setting up operations in the country.
“I urge you, my fellow Zimbabweans, to take advantage of the conducive investment environment and opportunities in Zambia and set up businesses.
“Let us approach this mission with ambition and determination.
“Showcase the best of your companies, the creativity of your entrepreneurs and the strength of your partnerships,” she said.
Ambassador Charamba identified Zambia’s anticipated bumper maize harvest during the 2025/26 agricultural season as one of the immediate business opportunities available to Zimbabwean firms.
She said increased agricultural output would create demand for logistical services, grain handling systems, storage infrastructure, milling technologies and value-addition solutions.
“This creates immediate opportunities for Zimbabwean companies in logistics, grain handling and storage facilities, milling equipment and value addition,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, ZimTrade export promotion manager, Mrs Vuyiswa Mafu, said Zimbabwean firms possess the expertise and technical capabilities needed to support Zambia’s economic transformation agenda.
She said businesses from both countries can benefit from increased collaboration, particularly in infrastructure development and agriculture-related services.
“We believe we can work together with the Zambians, offer our skills and work together to improve both our economies.
“Zimbabwe’s building and construction, as well as the agricultural services sector, stand ready to collaborate, innovate and contribute to Zambia’s infrastructure growth.
“My appeal is that we seize this opportunity to build sustainable partnerships that deliver value across our borders,” said Mrs Mafu.
The mission also received strong backing from the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) acting director for export promotion, Mr Obby Banda, who described Zambia as an emerging regional services hub.
Mr Banda said Zambia’s rapidly expanding services sector, supported by growth in mining, logistics, information and communication technology, tourism and financial services, was creating opportunities for regional businesses seeking expansion.
“We look at Zambia as an emerging services hub. Zambia is evolving into a regional services hub because of its fast-growing services economy. We have the mining sector, logistics, ICT, tourism and finance all growing strongly,” said Mr Banda.
He noted that increasing trade volumes and growing investor interest were among the indicators demonstrating Zambia’s transformation into a competitive services market within the Southern African region.
The Services Business Mission is part of Zimbabwe’s strategy to diversify exports beyond traditional merchandise trade and expand participation in regional services markets, which are increasingly becoming important drivers of economic growth and foreign currency earnings.
Some of the companies participating in the mission include Agrikilimo Farmer Support, Agrocert, Branding Concepts Holdings, Chenova Property and Development, Erathasoft Technologies, Emerald Agribusiness and DataFarm.
Ends
