Zim pushes for closer cooperation with Tanzania

Nyore Madzianike in
DAR-ES-SALAAM, Tanzania

ZIMBABWEAN businesses should capitalise on long-standing cordial political relations with Tanzania to expand trade and strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Helen Dingani, has said.

In an interview, Amb Dingani said political ties between the two countries, which date back to the liberation struggle when Tanzania provided bases and support for Zimbabwean freedom fighters, remain solid.

However, she decried that the same goodwill had not translated into stronger trade relations.

“So, that relationship has been maintained and it’s been very good,” she said.

“Unfortunately, the trade between Tanzania and Zimbabwe is not very good, considering our cordial relations. We now want to start working on improving that.”

Amb Dingani revealed that some Zimbabwean companies and consultants are already operating in Tanzania, but many are not formally documented.

“That is what we now want to work on – to identify Zimbabweans and Zimbabwean companies here, so that we know who is where,” she said.

“But now the trade between us is, compared to our friendship, is not all that good.”

She said stronger economic ties were central to discussions she recently held with President Mnangagwa, who underscored the importance of turning political goodwill into economic advantage.

“We should leverage on our friendship and move that to economic cooperation. The President was very clear – we should now move forward from just smiling politically to translating our relations into tangible economic benefits.”

Amb Dingani identified agriculture, mining, and tourism as key sectors where Zimbabwe and Tanzania could deepen cooperation.

“Zimbabwe is very strong in agriculture, and we can do a lot with Tanzania in that area. The same applies to mining and tourism, where there are vast opportunities for collaboration,” she said.

She also encouraged young people from both countries to play an active role in fostering trade relations.