Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe and Mozambique are stepping up efforts to boost trade and investment, building on their long-standing diplomatic and historical ties.
The two neighbours are aligning their economic strategies to unlock shared prosperity, with a focus on infrastructure development, regional trade, and private sector collaboration.
Mozambique is currently Zimbabwe’s fourth-largest trading partner, and both nations are keen to expand that relationship further.
The latest move in this direction came through a high-level investment conference held in Beira, Mozambique, yesterday, as part of an outward trade mission led by ZimTrade.
Addressing delegates, Manicaland’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, highlighted the historical depth of bilateral relations, noting that the two countries are bound by both liberation history and a shared vision for economic transformation.
“This gathering is a chance to promote trade, deepen business linkages, and position our provinces as models of regional unity and resilience,” he said.
Secretary of State for Sofala Province, Ms Cecilia Chamutota, stressed the importance of African countries taking control of their own development agendas.
“Trade and investment play a vital role in promoting innovative and inclusive economies. Sofala Province has improved its business environment to attract more investments. We have vast opportunities in infrastructure and other economic sectors,” she said.
Sofala Province Governor, Mr Lourenco Ferreira Bulha, echoed her sentiments, adding that African countries must embrace responsibility for their own growth.
“I confirm our participation at the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi tourism expo this September, in Mutare. As President Mnangagwa said, we must develop our countries ourselves. Others can assist, but the responsibility is ours,” he emphasised.
Zimbabwe’s diplomatic officials highlighted the strategic importance of Mozambique’s Port of Beira as a gateway to broader regional trade.
“This conference is a pivotal moment in strengthening trade between our two nations. The Port of Beira offers immense opportunities for Zimbabwean exporters,” said Zimbabwe’s Consul General to Mozambique, Malvern Bere.
He encouraged Zimbabwean businesses to actively engage their Mozambican counterparts in order to seize the emerging prospects.
The trade mission, which runs until Thursday, will see Zimbabwean business leaders touring various companies and industrial sites in Beira.
It is expected to yield tangible business deals and partnerships, while reinforcing Zimbabwe and Mozambique’s goal of shaping a self-sufficient, intra-African economic future.
