A New Era of Bilateral Cooperation: Zambia–Zimbabwe Relations Elevated to a Bi-National Commission

By Chiyedzo Josiah Dimbo – Ambassador of Hope

Kadoma-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Jimayi Muduvuri has hailed the recent state visit to Zimbabwe by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia as “a powerful diplomatic breakthrough that reaffirms African solidarity.”

Muduvuri emphasized that President Hichilema’s public call for the removal of illegal and ruinous sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe demonstrated true regional brotherhood and moral leadership. This, he said, set the tone for a historic visit that not only strengthened relations between the two nations but also elevated their cooperation framework from a Permanent Joint Commission (PJC) to a Bi-National Commission (BNC)—the highest level of bilateral engagement.

A Vision Aligned With Regional Prosperity

The elevation of relations to a BNC comes at a critical moment for Zimbabwe’s reform and re-engagement agenda. Muduvuri praised the decisive leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and the Second Republic, noting that the strengthened ties with Zambia reflect a shared commitment to development and stability.

Zimbabwe is on the right trajectory toward becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030, Muduvuri remarked, pointing to the deepened bilateral cooperation as evidence of this progress

The signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during the visit sets the stage for tangible outcomes that will benefit everyday citizens in both countries.

The Five MOUs: Catalysts for Transformation

Energy Cooperation: Powering Growth Together

The two nations committed to enhancing collaboration in power generation, transmission, and distribution. Zimbabwe will increase its power-transfer capacity, reinforcing energy security and supporting industrial growth.

Transport and Infrastructure Connectivity

The landmark Lion’s Den–Kafue Railway Project is set to revolutionize regional trade routes, reduce logistics costs, and unlock new economic corridors across the SADC region.

Tourism Integration: A Shared Global Treasure

With Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls jointly shared, the two countries will intensify coordinated tourism marketing, conservation, and investment strategies to maximize benefits from the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Agriculture and Food Security Cooperation

The MOUs prioritize climate-resilient agriculture, irrigation expansion, support for smallholder farmers, and research partnerships aimed at strengthening food systems.

Broader Governance and Development Initiatives

The BNC framework also supports collaboration in governance, environmental protection, trade facilitation, and security—ensuring long-term institutional cooperation.

Solidarity That Resonates Beyond Borders

Muduvuri underscored that President Hichilema’s condemnation of sanctions was not merely symbolic, but a principled stance reflecting Africa’s collective responsibility to defend peace, unity, and mutual upliftment.

“HH’s call for the removal of sanctions shows that African leaders are ready to speak boldly and stand with one another. This is true Pan-Africanism in action,”
> he said.

A Call to Zimbabwean Entrepreneurs

Muduvuri urged Zimbabwe’s business leaders to seize the opportunities created by these improved relations:

“The door is wide open. Zimbabwean investors should expand into Zambia and take advantage of the warm relations and growing markets, he advised.

With increased cooperation in energy, agriculture, transport, and tourism, the environment is ripe for joint ventures, cross-border value chains, and new industrial linkages.

A Historic Turning Point

The transition from a Permanent Joint Commission to a Bi-National Commission is a monumental leap in diplomatic relations—one that promises deeper integration and accelerated development. Guided by the leadership of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and President Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia and Zimbabwe are charting a new path of unity, economic resilience, and shared progress.

As the region watches, these two neighboring nations are demonstrating that meaningful cooperation is the key to unlocking Africa’s collective prosperity. The future is bright—and it is being built through partnerships rooted in respect, solidarity, and vision.