Zimbabwe and Mozambique Deepen Ties with New Cooperation Deals

Zimbabwe and Mozambique have signed new cooperation agreements covering trade, energy, agriculture, transport, and security, strengthening bilateral ties and signalling a renewed push for shared regional development (image source)

Zimbabwe and Mozambique have signed a series of new cooperation agreements as President Emmerson Mnangagwa concluded a state visit to Maputo, strengthening bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries. The deals, announced after high-level meetings with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, cover areas including trade, energy, agriculture, transport, and security cooperation. The agreements are part of a broader push by Zimbabwe to expand regional partnerships and integrate more deeply into Southern Africa’s economic and political frameworks. Officials said the deals would facilitate cross-border trade, improve infrastructure connectivity, and enhance collaboration in managing shared resources such as energy grids and water systems.

One of the key highlights was a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation, aimed at improving electricity supply and exploring joint investment in renewable energy projects. With both countries facing power shortages, the agreement is expected to pave the way for shared solutions and greater resilience. Transport links were also a priority, with commitments to upgrade road and rail connections to ease the movement of goods and people across the border.

Agriculture featured prominently, with plans to collaborate on food security initiatives, research, and technology transfer. Zimbabwe and Mozambique share similar climatic challenges, and officials said joint efforts could help improve productivity and mitigate the impact of droughts. Security cooperation was also discussed, particularly in relation to combating cross-border crime and addressing instability in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado region. President Mnangagwa described the agreements as “a new chapter in our fraternal relations,” emphasising that Zimbabwe and Mozambique’s destinies are intertwined by geography, history, and shared aspirations. He praised President Nyusi for his commitment to strengthening ties and said the deals would deliver tangible benefits to citizens on both sides of the border.

Analysts view the agreements as part of Mnangagwa’s broader strategy to rebuild Zimbabwe’s international standing and attract investment through regional cooperation. By deepening ties with Mozambique, Zimbabwe hopes to secure reliable trade routes, energy partnerships, and political support within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The state visit also carried symbolic weight. Mozambique has historically been a close ally of Zimbabwe, with ties dating back to the liberation struggle. Renewing cooperation in the present era reflects continuity in relations while adapting to modern challenges.

For citizens, the agreements hold promise of improved services, greater economic opportunities, and enhanced security. However, observers caution that implementation will be key. Past agreements have sometimes faltered due to lack of funding, bureaucratic delays, or political obstacles. Ensuring that these new deals translate into real progress will require sustained commitment from both governments.

As President Mnangagwa returned to Harare, officials hailed the visit as a success, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s regional diplomacy and signalling a determination to build stronger partnerships. For Zimbabwe and Mozambique alike, the agreements represent not just diplomatic gestures but practical steps toward shared development and stability in Southern Africa.