Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu
ZIMBABWE and India continue to strengthen their ties, with a delegation in the country from India, seeking to explore further investment opportunities in the areas of agriculture, food processing, mining and pharmaceutical industries, among other sectors.
A delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) and their Zimbabwean counterparts who included ZimTrade, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Confederation of Zimbabwe Industry (CZI) and Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) yesterday signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in various sectors of the economy, for business co-operation.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Shiela Chikomo, who was at the event said the presence of the delegation confirmed the growing interest by Indian industry in Zimbabwe’s emerging market potential and as such, both countries were excited and prepared to explore opportunities for mutual growth.
“India has long been a trusted economic and diplomatic partner to Zimbabwe, with our two countries enjoying strong bilateral trade relations across diverse sectors, including agriculture, mining, pharmaceuticals and technology. Our engagement today presents an invaluable opportunity to enhance industrial and technological co-operation, deepen diplomatic ties and explore synergies that align Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda with India’s technological and capital investment expertise,” said Deputy Minister Chikomo.
She said the presence of FICCI’s business delegation was a testament to the potential that exists for strategic alliances in automated machinery, information technology and advanced manufacturing solutions.
“These sectors represent the backbone of modern industrial development and are instrumental in ensuring that Zimbabwe achieves high-value production, technological innovation, and enhanced market competitiveness.
“Zimbabwe offers a compelling value proposition for Indian businesses seeking to expand their footprint in Southern Africa. Our economy is open for investment across a range of high-priority sectors, including Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, Renewable Energy and Green Technology, Industrial Automation and Smart Manufacturing, Healthcare Systems and Pharmaceutical Distribution, as well as Transport, Logistics and Rail Infrastructure,” said Deputy Minister Chikomo.
She said the sectors were strategically aligned with the pillars of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and are positioned as critical levers for driving industrialisation, accelerating economic transformation, boosting competitiveness and fostering inclusive, sustainable job creation.
Deputy Minister Chikomo said the signing of MoUs between the FICCI and the business associations represents a pivotal step toward institutionalising co-operation.
“We encourage both sides to fully operationalise these instruments as vehicles for enhanced local production, trade and investment flows, joint ventures, technology partnerships and the exchange of market intelligence.
“To sustain this momentum, we further advocate for regular business-to-business engagements, technical missions and structured matchmaking programmes that deepen ties well beyond the confines of today’s forum,” she said.
The Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Bramha Kumar, who was part of the delegation said the ties between Zimbabwe and India promoted development of both countries.
“India needs new partners to further propel its growth. We will be happy to engage with Africa, including Zimbabwe for a win-win partnership. This partnership will give new momentum to the Global South and South-South Co-operation. It is more important in the age of disruptions whether it is geo-political or technical.
Our two countries have been very strong supporters of each other at various multilateral and international frameworks, including at the United Nations. We have supported each other for our next bid to be elected as non-permanent members of United Nations,” said Amb Kumar.
He said the ties the two countries share, are growing annually.
“Zimbabwe and India’s economic ties are getting stronger each year as evidenced by MoUs being signed to enhance trade and investment between the two countries. Based on our strong relations and people to people contacts between the two countries, our investments from the private sector companies is worth about US$600 million and we are working towards finalising some more deals this year.
Amb Kumar said Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, has visited India several times accompanied by key Ministers and strong business delegations.
“His last visit to India, to participate at the India-Africa conclave organised by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) was an important one,” he said.
Amb Kumar said this year, Defence Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri participated at the Aero India 2025, at Bengaluru and this was very important for the two countries’ bilateral Defence Co-operation. He said the major outcome of Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri’s visit was the signing of Memorandum of Understanding for enhancing bilateral Defence Co-operation.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi said the coming of the delegation is an opportunity to connect with potential investment partners.
“This year’s ZITF theme, ‘Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape’ highlights the appetite to promote trade and investment, networking and partnership, economic diplomacy in the face of several challenges to the global economy. This meeting serves as an opportunity to unlock economic opportunities between India and Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe appreciates the significant contributions of Indian companies to the Zimbabwean economy such as Varun Beverages and Surface Wilmar,” he said.
Deputy Minister Modi said Government has prioritised value chain development to stimulate industrialisation, innovation and communication.
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