Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in agriculture, mining and energy sectors.
This was said by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lieutenant-General (Retired) David Sigauke at the Katanga Business Meeting in Lubumbashi where he highlighted the vast agricultural potential of Katanga Province, noting its abundant arable land and water resources.
He emphasised that Zimbabwe, with its extensive agricultural expertise, was well-positioned to assist the DRC in enhancing food production not only for the two countries but for the entire African continent.
“There is a lot of area here fit for agriculture, and Zimbabwe has a good amount of expertise in agriculture,” he said.
“We need agriculture to feed our people, not only for DRC and Zimbabwe, but to feed the entire Africa.”
Ambassador Sigauke also commended the infrastructural developments in the Katanga Province, citing the excellent road from Lubumbashi and the ongoing construction projects as indicators of the provincial government’s commitment to economic growth.
He added that discussions with the provincial governor about opening a new route to the border, which would further facilitate trade between the two nations.
The ambassador’s visit aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to expand its trade footprint in the DRC.
According to ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s exports to the DRC reached US$87 million in 2022, up from US$32 million in 2018, with products like cereals, treated timber, and fresh produce being key exports. Efforts are underway to further increase this figure, with a target of US$180 million in exports in the near future.
Both countries are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which provide platforms for duty-free and quota-free trade.
This regional integration is expected to facilitate increased economic cooperation and mutual growth.
Ambassador Sigauke’s engagement in the Katanga Business Meeting underscores the importance Zimbabwe places on its relationship with the DRC and its commitment to collaborative development in key economic sectors.
