PRESIDENT Duma Boko has revealed that Botswana and Zimbabwe have taken steps to dismantle bottlenecks in trade and investment that have long hindered the ease of doing business between the two countries.
Boko made the remarks during the official opening of the 66th edition of the 2026 International Trade Fair at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair on Thursday.
This year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is being held under the theme Connected Economies, Competitive Industries.
He said the agreement was reached between him and President Emmerson Mnangagwa during a meeting in Harare earlier this week, where they resolved to take decisive action in line with their obligations under the African Continental Free Trade
Area.
“President Emmerson Mnangagwa and I jointly acknowledged the need to collectively dismantle persistent barriers to trade and investment,” Boko said.
“We must, as a matter of urgency, remove all non-tariff barriers such as customs and border inefficiencies, policy misalignment, administrative bottlenecks and infrastructure deficits that continue to inflate the cost of doing business.
“We have committed ourselves to take decisive action not only within our bilateral framework, but also in alignment with our obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
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Boko added that Botswana is advancing infrastructure development — including roads, rail, and air transport — to enhance connectivity and facilitate seamless trade across the region.
He noted that the region is shifting from the traditional one-stop border post model towards a more ambitious non-stop border system aimed at improving the efficiency and experience of cross-border trade.
The Botswana leader said his participation at the event reflects the enduring cooperation between the two countries.
“We share history, culture, and a collective vision for a prosperous and integrated Africa,” he said.
Boko also highlighted the shared liberation struggles of the two nations, noting that the sacrifices made in overcoming colonial rule have strengthened their partnership.
He described Zimbabwe as a critical trading partner for Botswana, adding that several Botswana-based companies are operating and thriving in Zimbabwe.
“The presence of these companies underscores our resolve and shared commitment to advancing economic co-operation and leveraging market access between our two countries,” he said.
Boko commended Zimbabwe’s reported economic growth of 6,6% and
progress in the macroeconomic stabilisation process.
“This economic growth inspires confidence not just in your country, but in the region and ultimately across the continent,” he said.
He further noted that the ZITF has, for decades, remained a cornerstone of trade, investment and industrial collaboration.
“This year’s theme, Connected Economies, Competitive Industries, is both timely and instructive,” he said.
Boko emphasised that while national ambition is important, regional collaboration is essential for Africa to fully benefit from the AfCFTA.
He urged African countries to move beyond being mere suppliers of raw materials and instead position themselves as global centres of value creation.
