Uganda and Zimbabwe have unveiled a strategic roadmap designed to transform their long-standing political relationship into tangible economic benefits. During the Zimbabwe-Uganda Business Forum held in Harare this week, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira—represented by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi—called upon the private sector to bridge the trade gap between the two nations.
Despite decades of diplomatic friendship, bilateral trade has averaged less than US$1 million annually over the past four years. Rather than viewing this as a failure, officials from both countries see this low performance as a significant launching pad for future growth.
By leveraging the capabilities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the two countries aim to eliminate trade barriers by reducing tariffs and streamlining customs procedures.
To enrich export trade, there are plans to move beyond the current exchange of citrus fruits and pharmaceuticals toward exporting high-value manufactured goods and agricultural products. Additionally, an agreement was reached to strengthen supply chains by establishing new trade routes directly connecting Southern Africa with the heart of East Africa.
One of the innovative outcomes of the forum is the proposal to develop a joint tourism package dubbed “Safari Without Borders.” This plan would allow international visitors to experience Zimbabwe’s famous Victoria Falls and the historic Great Zimbabwe alongside Uganda’s Bwindi mountain gorillas and the source of the Nile in Jinja within a single travel itinerary.
Experts at the forum noted that because the two countries are complementary rather than competitors, travelers should be able to see these magnificent natural attractions in one seamless African journey.
