REGINALD CHAPFUNGA
A significant milestone was reached in Harare on 14 November 2025 with the elevation of Zimbabwe and Zambia’s cooperation framework from a Joint Permanent Commission to a full Bi-National Commission. The landmark gathering, attended by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and President Hakainde Hichilema, reaffirmed the enduring ties between the two neighbours and set an ambitious roadmap for enhanced collaboration, modernised border management and shared economic growth.
The mood throughout the Harare session was warm, candid and unmistakably fraternal. Both Heads of State brought to the fore the longstanding, almost familial ties between the two countries, with President Mnangagwa recalling formative years spent in Zambia and describing the two nations as twins, “Zambia and Zimbabwe, by God’s choice, were made Siamese twins”.
President Hichilema echoed the sentiment, celebrating what he called the harmonious interactions between Zimbabweans and Zambians in Chirundu, Kariba, Victoria Falls and Livingstone, adding that “daily we are one family”.
Beyond historical reflections and warmth, the leaders were unequivocal about one thing: this BNC must deliver tangible results. President Hichilema emphasised implementation as the true measure of success.
“The test of the pudding is in the eating. We have to put into practice, to implement what we have signed for,” he said, urging Ministers and officials to avoid delays.
“We should be able to deliver before the deadlines and not have the habit of extensions to deadlines. When you extend deadlines, you are delaying value creation, you are delaying the creation of an extra job,” said President Hichilema.
He pressed the need for modernisation, challenging the region to elevate its ambitions. He said it is not enough to talk of one stop border posts, “Let’s go for a non-stop border post because technology allows us to track goods in real time.
President Mnangagwa reinforced this call for decisive action and collective effort. Praising the work of Ministers and senior officials, he said, “We must put our shoulder to the wheel and exert the requisite effort towards full implementation of these agreements.” He described the agreements spanning agriculture, labour, youth development, immigration and diplomatic training as a solid foundation that should now drive both nations towards economic prosperity.
The outcomes of the session, as reflected in the official communiqué, were substantial. Zimbabwe and Zambia agreed to institute 24-hour operations at the Chirundu and Victoria Falls One Stop Border Posts by 31 December 2025, reaffirmed collaboration on regional electricity imports and confirmed the removal of barriers affecting trade, including Zimbabwe’s decision to scrap transit duties on petroleum products. Both sides also recommitted to the Simplified Trade Regime.
Progress on boundary reaffirmation, support for small-scale cross-border traders and enhanced defence cooperation further underlined the comprehensive nature of the partnership. Zambia also reiterated its principled stance on the removal of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, a gesture President Mnangagwa described as an act of consistent friendship.
“We remain grateful to Zambia’s principled stance and its consistent calls against the illegal economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe,” he said.
As the BNC closed, a sense of optimism and unity prevailed. President Hichilema underscored the importance of peace and stability as the bedrock of development.
“People of Zimbabwe, people of Zambia, let’s remain peaceful. Chaos delivers nothing other than destruction. So, the environment of peace, security and stability will allow us to focus on the developmental ticket of the equation and opportunities for all,” he cautioned.
As the two leaders prepare for the next BNC session in Lusaka in 2027, their message to their nations remains clear. Cooperation must be practical, ambitious and people-centred. The Zimbabwe–Zambia partnership, grounded in trust and shared identity, is entering a new chapter defined by innovation, unity of purpose and the promise of collective progress.