Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is participating in the third edition of the Iran-Africa International Economic Conference, which began yesterday in Tehran, Iran.
The conference is a key platform for strengthening economic ties with the Western Asian nation and deepening Zimbabwe’s efforts to expand its global business footprint.
Zimbabwe’s delegation is led by Vice President, General (Retired) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, reflecting the importance Harare places on building robust economic partnerships with Tehran.
In an interview with the media yesterday, Zimbabwe’s top envoy to Iran, Ambassador Bright Kupemba, emphasised the significance of the gathering.
“The focus is mainly on investment, trade, development, and exchange of knowledge. It allows Iranian and African business people to exchange notes on business opportunities, markets, and global economic trends. It also gives our businesses a chance to interact directly with Iran’s business community across all key sectors,” Ambassador Kupemba explained.
This year’s conference has placed agriculture, mining, and health at the centre of discussions.
Zimbabwe views Iran’s resilience as an important lesson, particularly given Tehran’s success in thriving under 45 years of sanctions.
Ambassador Kupemba pointed out that Zimbabwe is keen to learn from Iran’s strategies for building a self-reliant economy.
“This conference will also showcase Iran’s achievements in health, agriculture, and other sectors. We have already benefitted from the previous Iran-Africa conferences, especially in the health delivery system, where Iran’s advances in cancer treatment have opened avenues for potential joint ventures,” he added.
Ambassador Kupemba also highlighted the progressmade on the 17 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
“We have seen good progress, especially in health, where Natpharm is working with Iranian pharmaceutical companies on drug manufacturing and distribution. In science and technology, we are collaborating on space technology, while in agriculture, partnerships are being forged around the manufacturing of agricultural equipment,” he said.
Tourism is another area where ties are strengthening.
“Zimbabweans can now travel to Iran for up to 15 days without a visa for tourism purposes. This, along with our business and cultural partnerships, shows the broadening of our relations,” Ambassador Kupemba noted.
He further revealed that a mid-term review of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation is planned to evaluate and accelerate the implementation of these MOUs.
Reflecting on Iran’s resilience, Ambassador Kupemba concluded, “Iran has built a strong, resource-based economy through indigenous innovation and resource mobilisation. Zimbabwe is following a similar path, and Iran remains a strong model of what determined, homegrown efforts can achieve.”
Zimbabwe’s active participation at the conference underscores its commitment to diversifying its international partnerships and securing new opportunities for economic growth.
