HARARE, Apr. 22 (NewsDay Live) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe is ready to scale up exports of essential medicines and medical consumables to Botswana, as he hosted Duma Gideon Boko for a three-day State Visit focused on deepening trade and sectoral cooperation.
Addressing a State banquet in Harare, Mnangagwa framed the proposed health supply arrangements as both strategic and moral. “We stand ready to scale up partnerships in the provision of essential medicines and medical consumables… reflecting the true spirit of Ubuntu,” he said.
He added that bilateral trade and investment are “registering steady progress,” urging both countries to leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area and Southern African Development Community to build competitive, integrated regional value chains.
Mnangagwa also announced a land allocation in Harare for Botswana’s participation in the Museum of African Liberation, in recognition of Gaborone’s support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. He paid tribute to Botswana Defence Forces personnel killed in the Lesoma Ambush.
The two leaders are expected to convene the 5th Session of the Bi-National Commission, covering industrialisation, energy, border facilitation and value chain integration. Boko is Guest of Honour at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
Zimbabwe currently imports 60–70% of its medicines, with local manufacturers operating at about half capacity due to capital constraints. Public facilities face recurring drug stock-outs, while global supply disruptions have raised costs—underscoring the tension between domestic shortages and Harare’s push to position itself as a regional pharmaceutical supplier.
