Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Botswana senior government officials are consolidating draft reports from various committees, which started convening on Sunday, setting the tone for critical deliberations focusing on economic, diplomatic, political, as well as defence and security.
The Senior Officials’ meeting precedes the 5th Bi- National Commission which will be consummated on April 22.
President Mnangagwa and Botswana President Duma Boko will jointly preside over the BNC.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Albert Chimbindi and Botswana’s Secretary for International Relations Ambassador Thuso Ramodoosi are co-chairing the Seniors Officer’s meeting.
The Bi- National Commission is a platform that cements ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana.
As a precursor to this crucial engagement, senior government officials from Zimbabwe and Botswana met for two days in Harare setting out the roadmap on some key areas of focus, especially in areas of economic, diplomatic, political and defence and security.
Giving remarks at the official opening of the meeting on Sunday co-chair ambassador Chimbindi , outlined the centrality of this meeting saying: “In the area of trade and investment, both countries have recognised that current trade volumes remain below potential.
“There is therefore a shared commitment to enhance trade facilitation through the removal of tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
“Through improved border management and more efficient customs procedures. Opportunities also exist to enhance beneficiation and to jointly develop value chains in mining, agriculture and manufacturing, while leveraging the SADC and African continental free trade area agreements to expand market access.
“In agriculture, cooperation will focus on strengthening veterinary services, particularly in the control of transboundary animal diseases such as food and mouth disease, and this is an imperative. This will involve collaboration in surveillance, vaccine production and research to protect livestock industries in both countries and against exports.
“Transport and logistics remain critical enablers of trade and integration, so discussions will therefore focus on improving cross-border infrastructure, enhancing border posts, efficiency and strengthening regional transport corridors to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.”
His counterpart, Ambassador concurred saying: “It is a great pleasure to convene once again this time in Harare following the mid-term review of the first session of the BNC during April and July 2025.
“As can be recalled, we emerged from the MTR with renewed strength and united in efforts to advance cooperation between our two sister republics, aligned with the strategic direction provided by our honourable ministers and heads of state.
“The dominant theme that terminated our deliberations and outcomes at the MTR was the need to bridge the gap between what was agreed during the first session of the BNC and what had been implemented in preparation for the fifth session.
“Today, as we commence our fifth session, I am pleased to note that several instruments are on course to be signed during the BNC, and it is very important that we advance or speed up those that are lagging behind.
“In addition, this session of the BNC will advance deliberations aimed at accelerating progress in strategic areas of cooperation, including agriculture, health, energy, education, tourism, infrastructure, development and border security.
“I am confident, Co-Chair, that our deliberations over the coming two days will be constructive, focused, forward-looking, and that we are equal to the task of delivering positive recommendations, with clear timelines for consideration by our honourable ministers and Heads of State.”
