Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko is set to officially open the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, the highlight of a three-day state visit that has already delivered seven bilateral agreements aimed at deepening economic ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Boko arrived in Harare on Tuesday at the invitation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, receiving a 21-gun salute and full Guard of Honour, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the visit.
The visit’s centrepiece was the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by the two leaders on April 22. The summit concluded with the signing of seven agreements focused on trade and investment facilitation, including measures to ease cross-border barriers and improve the movement of goods and services.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Philisiwe Chidawanyika said discussions spanned trade, agriculture and food security, infrastructure, energy, tourism, health systems and skills development, with both presidents pushing for accelerated implementation of joint programmes to unlock cross-border opportunities.
Proceedings followed a structured build-up, beginning with senior officials setting the technical agenda, followed by a ministerial session led by Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira and Botswana’s Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale.
Welcoming Boko, Mnangagwa emphasised the enduring ties between the two countries.
“The deep-rooted historical ties and shared vision for a prosperous future underscore the relationship between our nations. I anticipate fruitful discussions that will further strengthen bilateral cooperation and fraternal bonds,” he said.
Border infrastructure emerged as a key priority, particularly the Plumtree–Ramokgwebana crossing, identified as a strategic trade corridor. Both governments also highlighted energy cooperation, with a focus on sustainable solutions, including solar power, to address persistent shortages.
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Boko is expected to cap his visit by officially opening the ZITF, Southern Africa’s premier multi-sector trade exhibition.
