Zimbabwe and Zambia have strengthened their bilateral ties with the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) spanning critical areas of national development, marking a significant step in deepening cooperation between the two neighbours.
The agreements covering Diplomacy and Politics, Labour and Social Welfare, Immigration, Youth Development, and Agriculture, were formalised during the inaugural session of the Zimbabwe–Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC), which ended with both countries also endorsing the agreed minutes of the meeting.
The MoUs are expected to open new avenues for coordinated policy implementation, improved labour mobility, and joint strategies to boost agricultural productivity. Officials said the new framework will also enhance collaboration on youth empowerment programmes while tightening immigration procedures to curb cross-border crime and improve the management of human movement.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, described the agreements as a “decisive pivot” towards practical cooperation rooted in shared regional aspirations. He said both countries were committed to dismantling outdated systems that slow development and replacing them with home-grown solutions aimed at improving the lives of citizens on both sides of the border.
Zambian officials echoed similar sentiments, noting that the BNC upgrade reflects the maturity of relations between Harare and Lusaka, which date back to the liberation struggle. They emphasised that the new cooperation instruments will help modernise key sectors and unlock economic opportunities that require joint action.
The inaugural BNC marks a milestone in the two nations’ diplomatic history, elevating cooperation from the long-standing Joint Permanent Commission to a higher, more structured platform. With the signing of the MoUs, Zimbabwe and Zambia have set the tone for a new phase of strategic collaboration focused on sustainable development, regional stability and shared prosperity.
