Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu recently in ESWATINI
ZIMBABWE and Eswatini have begun efforts to revive the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), with representatives from both countries expected to meet this week to begin developing the key institutional framework.
The accelerated resuscitation of the JPC follows President Mnangagwa’s visit to Eswatini that ended on Friday, where he attended King Mswati III’s Ruby Jubilee on the throne, as well as his 58th birthday.
The JPC facilitates collaboration in areas such as trade, investment and public service.
In an interview yesterday, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini Dr Victor Matemadanda said the two countries were meeting this week to begin modalities of resuscitating the JPC.
“We exchanged notes with our counterparts during the time that we were here,” Ambassador Matemadanda said.
“When President Mnangagwa arrived, I was given an assignment and tasked to work with representatives from Eswatini to revive the JPC. So we are meeting this week to begin the modalities.”
The two countries, Ambassador Matemadanda said, were working on various trade and investment agreements, especially in the agriculture sector.
“We have also stepped up trade and investments in agriculture, especially in the sugarcane sector,” he said.
“There are various talks that we have been holding with King Mswati III over the past few years. In the sector, we have been witnessing some improvement in that area.
“So, basically, in the next few months the two countries will be making some announcements in some sectors.”
Amb Matemadanda said Eswatini strongly backed Zimbabwe in its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
“Remember, the Ezulwini Consensus, which called for at least two permanent seats with veto power and five non-permanent seats for Africa, was done here in Eswatini, then it was Swaziland,” he said.
“So, they are fully supporting us. As I have said, the relationship between the two countries has grown stronger over the years, which is very commendable.”
Zimbabwe and Eswatini have maintained steady co-operation in trade and investment, with recent efforts aimed at enhancing economic linkages.
In 2025, Zimbabwe and Eswatini signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, a move expected to improve connectivity and boost both passenger and cargo transport, including through airlines such as Eswatini Airways.
There are also growing opportunities for trade in sectors such as leather goods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and essential oils.
President Mnangagwa’s visit follows his trip to Eswatini last year, where he attended the country’s 57th Independence Day celebrations and officially opened the Eswatini International Trade Fair as the guest of honour.
In 2023, King Mswati III officially opened the 63rd Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
