Zimbabwe and Botswana will hold the 5th Session of their Bi‑National Commission (BNC) this week, with Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Duma Gideon Boko set to jointly preside over deliberations to shape new cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure and other priority sectors.
Boko is due to arrive in Zimbabwe for a three‑day state visit from 21 to 23 April during which he will also officially open the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo.
The BNC began with senior officials’ meetings on 19 and 20 April, which will be followed by a ministerial session on 21 April before the two presidents co‑chair the main proceedings on 22 April.
The BNC, established to coordinate bilateral programmes at the highest political level, brings together senior officials, ministers and heads of state to review progress and sign new agreements.
This year’s session follows preparatory meetings held in Harare at the weekend where officials from both countries refined proposals aimed at accelerating joint projects.
According to Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the two presidents will guide discussions on trade facilitation, agriculture and food security, energy cooperation, transport and logistics, tourism, health systems strengthening and human capital development.
The session is expected to “provide bold and strategic direction” to unlock cross‑border economic opportunities and strengthen regional value chains.
Trade and investment remain a central focus, with both countries acknowledging that current volumes fall below potential.
Officials are exploring ways to remove tariff and non‑tariff barriers, improve border management and jointly develop value chains in mining, agriculture and manufacturing.
The two governments also aim to leverage regional frameworks such as the Southern African Development Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand market access.
Agriculture cooperation – particularly in combating transboundary animal diseases such as foot‑and‑mouth – will feature prominently, alongside efforts to improve transport corridors and border infrastructure to ease the movement of goods and people.
JN/APA