Colletta Dube
Theseus Mauruki Shambare in KARIBA
ZIMBABWE and Zambia will today jointly host the 2026 African Border Day commemorations in Kariba, bringing together at least 150 delegates, including senior Government officials, diplomats, border experts and representatives of border communities from across the continent, to strengthen cooperation on peaceful and effective border governance.
The commemorations are expected to provide a platform for African countries to deliberate on practical measures to enhance border governance, promote regional integration and deepen cooperation in the management of shared boundaries, in line with the African Union Border Programme (AUBP).
African Border Day is officially commemorated annually on June 7 following its establishment by the African Union (AU) in 2010, with the inaugural celebrations held in 2011.
The annual observance seeks to promote the peaceful management of Africa’s borders while encouraging dialogue, cooperation and sustainable development among neighbouring states.
This year’s commemorations are being held under the African Union theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” underscoring the importance of jointly managing transboundary water resources and strengthening cooperation among countries that share rivers, lakes and other water bodies.
In an interview ahead of the commemorations, Permanent Secretary un the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development Professor Prosper Bvumiranayi Matondi said delegates would deliberate on the implementation of the African Union Border Programme and the Niamey Convention, while exploring practical measures to strengthen border governance across the continent.
He said the discussions come at a critical time as Africa advances implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which depends on peaceful, secure and efficiently managed borders.
“These discussions come at a critical time as Africa advances the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where peaceful, secure and well-managed borders are essential for expanding trade, facilitating investment and promoting the safe movement of people and goods,” he said.
Professor Matondi said the commemorations would also place border communities at the centre of discussions, recognising their critical role in promoting regional integration and peaceful coexistence.
“Delegates will also engage with border communities, reaffirming that effective border governance is not only about governments and institutions but also about improving the safety, livelihoods and wellbeing of citizens living along our shared frontiers,” he said.
Among the highlights of the commemorations will be the inspection of newly installed navigation buoys on Lake Kariba, which clearly mark sections of the Zimbabwe-Zambia international boundary while enhancing navigation safety on the shared water body.
Professor Matondi said Zimbabwe remained fully committed to the African Union’s vision of peaceful, prosperous and well-governed borders that contribute to regional stability, economic integration and inclusive growth.
“Zimbabwe remains fully committed to the African Union’s vision of peaceful, prosperous and well-governed borders that contribute to regional stability, economic integration and inclusive growth. Working together with Zambia and our regional and continental partners, we will continue promoting dialogue, cooperation and sustainable management of our shared borders for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.
The commemorations are expected to reaffirm the enduring partnership between Zimbabwe and Zambia while reinforcing Africa’s collective commitment to transforming borders from potential flashpoints into corridors of peace, trade, environmental stewardship and shared prosperity in pursuit of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Online Reporter