Uganda and Zimbabwe delivered a united and clear message at the Zimbabwe–Uganda Business Forum, emphasizing the need to move beyond dialogue toward tangible trade and investment outcomes.
Uganda’s Hon. Mulimba John, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs), highlighted the purpose of the engagement:
“We are here to further the relations of our countries but most importantly to ensure that this engagement results in real business outcomes.”
H.E. Paul Amoru, Uganda’s Resident Ambassador to Zimbabwe, echoed this sentiment:
“We are here to deepen relations between our two countries, but more importantly to ensure that these engagements translate into real trade and investment.”
Zimbabwe’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, together with representatives from the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDTA), reinforced the importance of turning political relations into concrete economic results:
“We are here to ensure that our engagement moves beyond discussion and results in tangible trade and investment opportunities for both countries.”
Both delegations stressed the critical role of structured frameworks, including Joint Permanent Commissions, to facilitate trade, strengthen coordination, and unlock opportunities across sectors.
Connectivity and regional integration were also key themes. Leaders noted the challenges of intra-African travel and trade:
“It is still difficult to travel within Africa… sometimes you go through Europe or Dubai,” said Ugandan representatives. The Acting Minister added: “Improved direct air links and cargo routes are vital to streamline business and trade between Zimbabwe and Uganda.”
Key sectors identified for collaboration included agriculture, tourism, energy, infrastructure, and trade logistics, with a strong emphasis on value addition, joint ventures, and leveraging comparative advantages. Delegates highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key tool for growing trade and removing barriers, noting that existing frameworks now require practical implementation.
Sustained private sector engagement and African-led investment were emphasized as essential for long-term transformation:
“We are one people; we must invest in our own continent and support each other to achieve transformation,” said Hon. Mulimba.
“The more we continue dialogue and joint initiatives, the more we convert ideas into real economic outcomes that benefit our nations,” added ZIDTA representatives.
The Forum concluded with a clear message: stronger collaboration, structured implementation, and action-oriented partnerships are vital to unlocking shared prosperity and driving sustainable regional economic growth between Uganda and Zimbabwe.
