India and Zimbabwe are moving to convert decades of diplomatic ties into tangible economic gains, unveiling a strategy to boost trade and industrial investment.
At a high-level seminar in Harare, officials and business leaders said the focus must now shift from political goodwill to measurable outcomes.
The event, hosted by the Embassy of India and the Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC), was held at the Hyatt Regency (The Meikles).
SARDC executive director Munetsi Madakufamba said current trade levels fall short of the strength of bilateral relations.
“Trade remains modest, the structure is uneven, and outcomes do not reflect the relationship we often speak about,” he said.
He highlighted a key imbalance, with Zimbabwe exporting raw materials while importing finished goods, and called for alignment between local production and India’s growing demand.
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India’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Bramah Kumar, said Indian investment in Zimbabwe now exceeds US$600 million, with more than 25 companies operating across sectors.
However, he stressed the need to deepen cooperation.
“Government-to-government frameworks are essential to unlock stronger business-to-business relations,” Kumar said.
Priority sectors identified include pharmaceuticals, mining beneficiation and agro-processing, as both countries seek to drive value addition and industrial growth.
Madakufamba urged faster implementation of existing agreements, including leveraging platforms such as the Mutapa Investment Fund.
“The opportunity is clear. The focus now must be on execution—deliberately, consistently and at scale,” he said.