Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in GOA, India
VICE President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is expected to arrive here today to advance economic, cultural and diplomatic synergies with the world’s fourth-largest economy and one of Zimbabwe’s biggest trading partners.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to India, Stella Nkomo, confirmed the expected arrival of the VP.
“We are expecting the Vice President here in India, one of our largest trading partners. His visit promises to strengthen our economic ties and enhance mutual cooperation,” said Ambassador Nkomo.
“Zimbabwe has traded with India dating back to the 15th century. We acknowledge the trade imbalance and are focused on boosting exports in agriculture, among others.
“His delegation will highlight key historical exchanges, exploring our deep-rooted connections. We have initiatives to preserve the cultural heritage of the Munhumutapa Empire, collaborating with local communities and international partners.”
Zimbabwe’s exports to India increased from US$4,5 million in 2021 to US$47 million in 2024. As of October, Zimbabwe exported goods worth close to US$20 million this year alone, while it imported close to US$200 million worth of goods, mainly in equipment and machinery.
The visit is also strong on the cultural front, with the VP’s delegation comprising experts from the National Archives, National Museums and Monuments, academia and the Catholic Church to document the history of Zimbabwe’s contribution to early civilisation and Christianity.
Their participation in the visit is premised on tracing and documenting the history of Father Miguel, son of the Munhumutapa, who was educated and ordained as a Dominican priest in Goa in the 15th century, where he served the Catholic Church and rose to become a Vicar before his subsequent death and burial at the church where he served as the parish priest. The other sons of the Munhumutapa Kings during that era who served as Catholic priests are Father Constantino, Father Mpezeni and Father Joao, a history that has yet to be documented.
