THE STATE visit by Botswana’s President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, to Zimbabwe, which included Official Opening of the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) placed renewed focus on strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries, with emphasis on practical steps to grow trade and investment.
During the visit, President Boko toured the ZimTrade pavilion, where he acknowledged the high quality of products on display, giving recognition to the standards being achieved by Zimbabwean exporters and their potential in regional markets.
In his address at the ZITF Opening Ceremony, President Boko spoke on the need to improve border efficiency to support trade.
He highlighted his Government’s commitment to reducing trade barriers and creating a more competitive environment for businesses in both countries.
“We are moving away from one-stop border posts to non-stop borders,” he said, stressing the importance of removing bottlenecks to facilitate the movement of goods and services.
These efforts were echoed at the Zimbabwe-Botswana Business Forum facilitated by ZimTrade, where companies from both countries engaged directly through business-to-business meetings.
The engagements focused on unlocking opportunities in sectors such as construction, processed foods, and services.
At the forum, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor dr. Amon Murwira, in a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, reaffirmed Zimbabwe Government’s commitment to removing trade barriers across the region.
He noted that Zimbabwe is working towards eliminating obstacles that hinder the free flow of goods and services with neighbouring countries, in line with broader regional integration goals.
ZimTrade continues to work closely with the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) to strengthen commercial ties.
Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2018, the two organisations have been facilitating trade missions, exhibitions, and business matchmaking initiatives guided by both governments.
ZimTrade has over the years facilitated Zimbabwean companies to participate at the Botswana Global Expo and organised outward trade missions into the Botswana market.
In the same way, BITC has supported Botswana companies’ participation in Zimbabwe’s key trade platforms, including the ZITF and Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
This year, BITC brought 18 companies to exhibit at ZITF, with more than 20 firms also attending the business forum to explore trade opportunities.
