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Zimbabwe, Mozambique Launch Inaugural Bi-National Commission, Pledge Deeper Economic and Diplomatic Cooperation
Zimbabwe and Mozambique today convened the inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the Zimbabwe–Mozambique Bi-National Commission (BNC), marking a decisive elevation of bilateral relations between the two neighbouring states.
Held in Maputo, Mozambique, the meeting brought together ministers, senior officials, and diplomats from both governments, laying the groundwork for enhanced political coordination, economic integration, and regional security cooperation.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor dr. Amon Murwira said the launch of the BNC signals a renewed commitment to “structured, forward-looking cooperation,” rooted in the shared liberation history that binds the two countries. The meeting also precedes the upcoming State Visit of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa to Mozambique.
“Our bilateral engagements over the past two years reflect a deliberate intensification of high-level exchanges,” Prof. Murwira said. He highlighted Zimbabwe’s humanitarian support to Mozambique following Cyclone Chido, which ravaged and destroyed livelihoods in Manica province in the neighboring country during the 2024-25 rain season, as an example of enduring solidarity.
He stressed that the BNC must serve as a platform “to consolidate progress and chart new pathways for cooperation” across multiple strategic areas.
Prof. Murwira outlined priority pillars, including trade facilitation, infrastructure development, energy security, agriculture, mining value addition, environmental conservation, and regional security.
He reaffirmed commitments to improving border efficiency at the Forbes–Machipanda and Nyamapanda–Kuchimano posts, and to opening additional crossing points to boost trade and reconnect communities.
On infrastructure development, he cited the upgrade of the Rutenga–Sango–Maputo Road and the Beira Development Corridor as key regional mobility projects. In the energy sector, he emphasised Mozambique’s “indispensable” role in powering Zimbabwe’s grid, calling for deeper and more sustainable cooperation between the two sisterly countries.
The minister also welcomed Mozambique’s allocation of land in Gaza Province for Zimbabwean rice cultivation, describing the gesture as “pragmatic solidarity.” He added that Zimbabwe will deploy agricultural experts to support Mozambican capacity building.
Touching on mining, Prof. Murwira invited Mozambique to explore synergies in beneficiation and technology transfer as Zimbabwe expands its diamond and lithium value-addition initiatives.
He underscored the importance of coordination on security matters, stating that strengthened cooperation will “fortify collective stability and safeguard the gains of development.”
In concluding his remarks, Prof. Murwira said the BNC must be a tool for eradicating poverty. “We have one enemy, and that enemy is poverty,” he said. “Mozambique and Zimbabwe do not share a border. They share life.”
Mozambique’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Maria Manuela Lucas, delivered a warm welcome to the Zimbabwean delegation, emphasizing that Mozambique regards Zimbabwe as both a historic and strategic partner.
“It is with deep joy that I extend a warm welcome to Maputo, which is also your home,” she said.
She highlighted the long-standing cultural ties and personal histories shared by many Zimbabwean officials with Mozambique, noting that some had lived, studied, or raised families in the country.
Minister Lucas expressed gratitude for Zimbabwe’s support during natural disasters and in combating terrorism in Cabo Delgado Province. “The security of Mozambique is the security of Zimbabwe,” she said, commending Harare’s commitment to regional stability.
She stressed that the establishment of the BNC marks a new strategic phase in bilateral relations, reflecting direction from President Daniel Francisco Chapo, who recently affirmed that the relationship between the two nations must be recognized as strategic.
Minister Lucas also praised the preparatory work conducted by senior officials from both sides, urging continued collaboration in international forums, including SADC, the African Union, and the United Nations.
The Mozambican minister highlighted the significance of President Mnangagwa’s upcoming State Visit scheduled for 21–23 November 2025, describing it as “historic and special” since it will be the first under President Chapo’s administration.
The Ministerial segment of the BNC sets the stage for tomorrow’s Heads of State meeting of the Bi-National Commission, where further agreements are expected to be agreed upon.
The inaugural Commission marks an important milestone in the bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, which are defined by shared history, mutual security interests, and a growing commitment to joint economic development.
