Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe and Botswana have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in tourism and environmental management following a high-level diplomatic engagement held in Harare yesterday.
Botswana’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Honourable Winter Boipuso Mmolotsi, met with Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, at his Munhumutapa offices. The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to deepen ties between the two neighbouring countries and build on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU in the areas of tourism and environmental protection.
Leading the Botswana delegation was the country’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Sarah Molosiwa. The visit, which coincided with broader regional deliberations under the Southern African Development Community (SADC), focused on exploring joint projects, enhancing regional tourism, and protecting shared ecosystems, particularly within the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA).
Dr Muswere highlighted the importance of collaborative action in fostering sustainable economic development and regional integration through tourism and environmental initiatives.
“Our meeting reinforces the strong foundation laid by both countries through the tourism MoU. We are prioritising joint marketing strategies, community-based tourism models, and the relaxation of immigration policies to ease tourist movement between our borders,” he said.
He also noted that Zimbabwe and Botswana are working towards a common framework for biodiversity preservation, improved wildlife conservation, and technical cooperation in environmental management. This includes proposed exchange programmes for conservation professionals and stronger institutional ties between the two nations.
Honourable Mmolotsi described the engagement as a symbolic and strategic step toward building lasting partnerships under Botswana’s new administration. He praised Zimbabwe for its regional leadership and emphasised the shared responsibility in managing cross-border wildlife and natural resources.
“Wildlife knows no borders, and our cooperation must reflect that reality. We are here to affirm that Botswana remains fully committed to working with Zimbabwe on key areas such as wildlife protection, eco-tourism, and climate resilience,” he said.
He added that institutional collaboration and open communication will be critical in tackling shared challenges and maximising mutual opportunities in tourism and conservation.
The engagement reaffirms the cordial relations between Zimbabwe and Botswana, which span multiple sectors, including trade, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. With both countries being key players in the KAZA initiative, the renewed commitment signals a promising future for collaborative regional tourism and environmental governance.
