Zambia and Zimbabwe Deepen Trade Ties in Push for Regional Prosperity
Zambia and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations, marking a pivotal step toward deeper regional integration under the frameworks of SADC, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
During a high-level bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the SADC Ministerial Task Force and the Committee of Ministers of Trade in Harare, Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, MP, and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira, pledged to tackle Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) hampering trade between the two neighboring nations.
The ministers emphasized the need to turn political goodwill into practical action, declaring that “poverty cannot be shared, but wealth can.” They announced the formation of joint technical teams, under the leadership of their respective Permanent Secretaries, to address outstanding trade barriers, including surtaxes imposed on goods. These teams are expected to report tangible progress by July 20, 2025.
“In all our aspirations under COMESA, SADC, and AfCFTA, we must begin by enhancing trade with our neighbors. That is the most realistic path to regional prosperity,” said Hon. Mulenga.
In a separate bilateral engagement, Hon. Mulenga also met with Zimbabwe’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon. Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, to discuss strategies for joint industrial ventures and accelerating industrialisation across both nations.
The talks stressed the role of industrial development in enhancing production, driving inclusive growth, and increasing regional competitiveness under AfCFTA.
