Harare – The 5th Session of the Botswana and Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission has concluded in Harare, with the two neighbouring countries signing 10 memorandums of understanding covering defence, security, trade and cultural cooperation.
The session was co-chaired by Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, with both leaders reaffirming their countries’ commitment to deeper bilateral ties.
Delivering his opening remarks, President Boko expressed appreciation for Zimbabwe’s hospitality and pointed to the deep historical, legal and economic ties binding the two nations. 
He said the Bi-National Commission serves as a key platform for advancing practical collaboration, reviewing progress and identifying new areas of mutual benefit.
President Boko called for greater economic complementarity between Botswana and Zimbabwe, pushing for shared growth rather than competition. He pointed to priority sectors including health, agriculture, trade and investment, infrastructure, energy, tourism, defence and regional security.
The Botswana president also raised concern over the growing threat of synthetic drugs, urging stronger cross-border cooperation, policy harmonisation and coordinated security responses between the two countries.
He spoke about Africa’s vast natural resources and youthful population, calling for greater unity and confidence in shaping global outcomes, and stressed the importance of turning dialogue into results that improve the lives of ordinary people.
The 10 memorandums of understanding signed at the session cover the following areas:
Agreement on Defence Cooperation and Training Exchange Programmes; Police Cooperation in Combating Livestock Theft and other Cross Border Crimes; MoU on Immigration Cooperation; Cooperation in the Field of Prison and Correctional Services; Transfer of Sentenced Persons; Coordination of Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services; Cooperation and Assistance in the Field of Civil Aircraft Accidents and Serious Incidents Investigations; Cooperation in the Promotion of Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development; Economic Trade and Investment Promotions; and Collaboration in the Museum of African Liberation.; Cooperation and Assistance in the Field of Civil Aircraft Accidents and Serious Incidents Investigations; Cooperation in the Promotion of Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development; Economic Trade and Investment Promotions; and Collaboration in the Museum of African Liberation.
