Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu, [email protected]
Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea have pledged to intensify co-operation in trade, tourism and investment, following the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries.
President Mnagangwa and his Equatorial Guinea counterpart, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo presided over the signing ceremony at State House in Harare yesterday.
The MoUs which cover Education, Economic and Trade Cooperation, Cooperation in the training of interpreters and translators, and Rules of Procedure of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), were a critical part of President Mbasogo’s State visit to Zimbabwe which began on Thursday and ended yesterday.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea must do more to unlock opportunities that exist in both economies.
“There remains great potential to enhance our bilateral trade and economic cooperation by unlocking trade, tourism, and mutual investment opportunities that are abundant in our two countries,” he said. “The volume of trade and investment has room for further expansion and increase.
“I therefore urge our private and public sectors to pursue various models of cooperation so that we capitalise on the vast prospects in sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism, energy, and manufacturing, among others.”
The President stressed the need for greater collaboration between public and private sectors to drive economic growth and shared prosperity.
He also urged both countries to prioritise women and youth in economic programmes.
“Youth and women remain critical anchors of our economies,” President Mnangagwa said. “I urge our officials to pursue initiatives that will increase collaboration between our small to medium enterprises, particularly the youth and women-owned businesses.”
President Mnangagwa said cooperation in education and wildlife management was progressing well, with Zimbabwe committed to expanding the programmes.
“It is pleasing to note that the scholarship programme is progressing well and some students from Equatorial Guinea have successfully completed their studies at various institutions here in Zimbabwe,” President Mnangagwa said. “We are ready to receive more students for enrolment in diverse learning pathways as agreed in our cooperation framework.”
“This will go a long way towards ensuring that our young people are equipped with the requisite skills and training to take up the vast opportunities to develop and industrialise our countries. Critically important is the need to see more quality made in Africa goods and services. I am equally happy that the collaboration in wildlife management is progressing well.
“Zimbabwe remains committed to expanding the programme to include exchange of expertise and mutual support at international fora, especially with regards to the sustainable management of wildlife resources.”
President Mnangagwa also thanked Equatorial Guinea for condemning sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West and for supporting Harare’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.
“Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is grateful to you, Your Excellency, the government and people of Equatorial Guinea, for condemning the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and calling for their unconditional removal.
“Equally, we value your country’s support and that of the African continent, among many other nations across the globe, which has seen Zimbabwe being elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, for the period 2027-2028.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to promote multilateralism, peaceful settlement of disputes and strengthening of Africa’s collective voice in global peace, security and governance,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mbasogo said the MoUs should translate into real benefits for citizens of both countries.
“The agreements signed today should result in tangible results,” he said. “The agreements should enhance sustainable development for the benefit of our people.” The event was attended by senior Government officials from both countries.
After the signing ceremony, President Mbasogo visited the National Heroes Acre where he inspected the guard of honour, laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and received a briefing on the history and significance of the national shrine.
He left Harare yesterday afternoon and was seen off at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by President Mnangagwa, senior Government officials and service chiefs.
