Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in GABORONE, Botswana
VICE President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is expected in Botswana today to represent Zimbabwe at this year’s SADC regional World Children’s Day commemorations.
Although globally observed on November 20, the SADC event is being held on November 15 to maximise participation from member states.
The commemorations bring together high-level delegations from Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The day serves as a global reminder for leaders to uphold their obligations to children and provides a platform for the youth to voice their views on issues affecting their welfare.
In a briefing ahead of the Vice President’s arrival in Gaborone, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Botswana, Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro, highlighted the importance of the event.
“We are glad that the Honourable Vice President is coming to attend on behalf of His Excellency the President,” said Ambassador Mukonoweshuro.
“When we started in 2021, it was Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Now they have invited more countries… We are making arrangements for him to meet the Zimbabwean children who are participating here first.”
Ambassador Mukonoweshuro also outlined plans to leverage the Vice President’s visit for key economic engagements, aligning with President Mnangagwa’s economic diplomacy thrust.
He identified significant untapped potential for boosting trade between the two nations.
“Our political relations are very good; they anchor the economic relations. What we need to translate into tangible results is the trade and economics,” Ambassador Mukonoweshuro said.
He pointed to agriculture as a primary sector for collaboration, noting that Botswana, which traditionally relies on diamonds and tourism, is seeking to diversify its economy.
“A green market exists for our farmers,” Ambassador Mukonoweshuro said.
“We can do a lot to impart knowledge to our Tswana counterparts because they are lacking in that area.”
Furthermore, Ambassador Mukonoweshuro highlighted a strategic opportunity in the leather industry.
He noted that Botswana has an abundant supply of animal hides but lacks a tanning sector, presenting a perfect avenue for Zimbabwe’s established leather industry to thrive through partnership.
The visit underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to both regional co-operation on child welfare and the active pursuit of mutually beneficial economic opportunities within the SADC region.
