Zambian President Hichilema To Visit Zimbabwe To Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is set to make his first official visit to Zimbabwe on Friday, 14 November, in a move seen as a step towards improving relations between the two countries.

Relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia became tense after Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections. The SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), led by former Zambian Vice President Nevers Mumba, reported several irregularities and raised concerns about the electoral process.

However, ZANU-PF rejected the findings, calling them biased and an unwelcome interference in the country’s affairs.

Zimbabwean government officials also accused Zambia and SEOM of having a hidden agenda and a perceived bias against Zimbabwe.

In 2024, President Hichilema joined the August SADC meeting virtually, where Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa took over as chair. His Foreign Affairs Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, represented him at the in-person sessions.

Now, signalling a thaw in relations, Haimbe has confirmed that President Hichilema will visit Zimbabwe at the invitation of President Mnangagwa.

During the visit, the two leaders will co-chair the first session of the Zambia-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), which upgrades the existing Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) to a higher-level framework for strategic engagement. Added Haimbe:

“The establishment of the BNC underscores the shared vision of the two Heads of State to strengthen bilateral cooperation, accelerate joint infrastructure projects, and deepen economic integration between the two nations.

“The BNC process will be preceded by a Meeting of Senior Officials on 12th November 2025 and a Ministerial Meeting on 13th November 2025, which will lay the groundwork for the agreements to be considered during the Inaugural BNC.

“Through the BNC, Zambia and Zimbabwe aim to enhance collaboration in key sectors, including trade, energy, and transport.

“This Visit also highlights the deep and enduring bonds of friendship, shared history, and mutual respect that unite Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“The two sister nations are bound by geography, culture, and shared assets such as the Kariba Dam, Victoria Falls, and critical transport infrastructure that are central to the socio-economic progress of both countries.

“Zambia remains firmly committed to regional cooperation, economic diplomacy, and infrastructure development as catalysts for inclusive growth and prosperity within the Southern African region.”

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