Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE and Zambia have agreed to scrap transit duties on petroleum products and open key border posts for 24 hours and to remove transit duties on petroleum products.
The decision to scrap duty and open key border posts for 24 hours was reached during deliberations at the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Harare this Friday.
In a joint communique issued at the close of the Bi-National Commission this afternoon, the two countries agreed that Chirundu and Victoria Falls One Stop Border Posts should operate round-the-clock, effective December 31 this year.
This development is expected to significantly ease congestion, boost trade, and strengthen economic integration between the two neighbours.
“We are committed to orderly, well-managed borders that reflect the friendship and cooperation between our nations,” the communiqué said.
In a major trade facilitation development, Zimbabwe informed the meeting that its Cabinet had approved the removal of transit duties on petroleum products.
Quarterly technical meetings will now be held to ensure that all outstanding issues are finalised by March 31, 2026.
President Mnangagwa and President Hichilema further agreed to maintain regular high-level engagements, deepen diplomatic coordination, and strengthen alignment on regional and global issues.
“Our cooperation is anchored in solidarity and mutual respect,” President Mnangagwa said in remarks captured in the communiqué.
President Mnangagwa praised his counterpart’s able leadership and commitment to Zambia’s development, while President Hichilema expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation during their stay in Harare.
Zambia also pledged continued advocacy for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, describing them as a constraint on the country’s development.
Both sides reaffirmed commitments to peace and security and acknowledged progress under the Simplified Trade Regime, which supports small-scale cross-border traders.
Beyond trade, the two governments also endorsed plans to install floating buoys along Lake Kariba to improve boundary visibility and commended ongoing reconnaissance work being carried out from Victoria Falls to Kazungula.
Five Memoranda of Understanding were signed. These cover diplomatic training, immigration and technical cooperation, labour and employment, agriculture, and youth development.
The leaders also hailed the successful Business Forum held alongside the BNC.
Peter Tanyanyiwa