Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Zimbabwe and Zambia are strengthening economic and trade relations, with initiatives aimed at boosting regional cooperation, Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Zambia, Charity Charamba, has revealed.
Speaking in Lusaka ahead of the joint Kavalamanja/Kakaro commemorations, Ambassador Charamba said ZimTrade is constructing a warehouse near the Kasumbalesa border to facilitate the movement of Zimbabwean products into Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This will enable us to bring our products here and expand our reach to Zambia and the DRC,” she said, adding that the project aims to unlock untapped markets while leveraging regional trade agreements like COMESA and SADC to promote duty-free trade.
The ambassador also highlighted increased informal trade and cross-border economic activities between the two countries, noting that over 30 Zimbabwean companies participated in Zambia’s agriculture show last year. She expects more Zambian companies to attend the upcoming Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in April, reflecting continued growth in bilateral business partnerships.
Sector-specific cooperation is also ongoing, with joint committees meeting in areas such as tourism. Ambassador Charamba cited the Batoka hydroelectric project as an example of collaboration between the two nations, with progress being reviewed ahead of the next bi-national commission scheduled in Zambia in 2027.
Education and cultural ties are another focus area. The ambassador noted that Zimbabwean and Zambian students are learning in both countries and highlighted the ED-UNZA Scholarship initiative, launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which supports academically talented but financially disadvantaged students pursuing degrees in sciences, medicine, and law at state universities in Zimbabwe and the University of Zambia.
Ambassador Charamba emphasised that the two nations are “stronger as Siamese twins,” citing joint cultural and sports diplomacy efforts alongside commemorative events such as the Kavalamanja/Kakaro ceremonies, which honour both Zambian civilians and soldiers and Zimbabwean freedom fighters lost during the 1978 colonial bombings.
