Rwanda and Zimbabwe Expand Partnership to Boost Economic Development

The Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Zimbabwe have extended the duration of an agreement on cooperation aimed at promoting investment, easing trade, political advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge to accelerate economic development in both countries.

The agreement was signed by the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Jean-Guy Afrika, and the CEO of Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), Tafadzwa Chinamo, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

A delegation from Zimbabwe was welcomed at RDB and was led by the Secretary to the President and Cabinet of Zimbabwe, Dr. Martin Rushwaya, who was accompanied by the Zimbabwean Ambassador to Rwanda, Charity Munyeruke.

The relationship between Rwanda and Zimbabwe continues to gain momentum through the expansion of partnership opportunities that benefit the people of both countries. So far, 22 cooperation agreements have been signed.

This strengthened relationship began when both countries established embassies in Kigali and Harare in 2019. The relationship is unique due to the shared aspects of both nations, such as the size of their economies, populations, development levels, and history.

To further capitalize on the opportunities offered by both countries for the benefit of their citizens and Africa as a whole, three investor conferences have already been held.

The first conference, bringing together Zimbabwean investors, was held in Kigali in September 2021, and was officially opened by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

The second conference took place in Harare in March 2022, and was also opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.

The third conference was held on March 18, 2024, and focused on the significant progress made in strengthening bilateral relations.

Through enhanced cooperation, the two countries are prepared to open new opportunities that will help their economies advance in alignment with the broader vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Particularly as the world continues to seek solutions to challenges such as war, climate change, pandemics, and more, the Rwanda-Zimbabwe partnership underscores the value of international collaboration in seeking long-term solutions.

Both countries are committed to mutually boosting their shared development progress and building lasting prosperity that benefits their citizens, Africa, and the world at large.