Zimbabwe is accelerating efforts to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of a broader strategy to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, and innovation. This was revealed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira in a speech delivered yesterday on his behalf by Permanent Secretary Ambassador Albert Chimbindi at an event marking the UAE’s 54th anniversary.
The move comes at a time when the UAE has firmly positioned itself as Zimbabwe’s leading export partner. Bilateral trade between the two nations surged from US$2 billion in 2022 to more than US$3 billion in 2024, underscoring the growing economic interdependence between Harare and Abu Dhabi.
Prof Murwira highlighted that Zimbabwe’s foreign policy is anchored in economic diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and people-centred development. He noted that the UAE’s role as Zimbabwe’s top export destination reflects the convergence of “doctrine, policy, and friendship” in advancing prosperity for both nations.
Looking ahead, he expressed Zimbabwe’s readiness to finalise the CEPA, a landmark agreement expected to unlock new opportunities in trade expansion, investment flows, and technology-driven innovation.
“We stand prepared to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE as we deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and innovation,” he said.
The minister further emphasised Zimbabwe’s commitment to multilateralism, expressing optimism that the UAE would support Harare’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. He stressed that the two countries have significant room to broaden collaboration, particularly in tourism, where combined strengths could boost arrivals in both markets.
“From Victoria Falls to Hwange, and from the UAE’s luxury tourism offerings to its dynamic adventure experiences, our joint promotion efforts can create unique packages that benefit both countries,” Prof Murwira said.
He also underscored the potential for deeper academic cooperation. Universities and research institutions from both nations, he said, can collaborate in areas such as science, technology, and innovation efforts that would equip young people with critical skills for a fast-evolving global economy.
UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Jassim Mohamed Al-Qassimi commended his country’s development model, pointing to the UAE’s multicultural harmony with more than 200 nationalities. He confirmed that the UAE has become a major market for Zimbabwean minerals and agricultural products, contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
Highlighting the steep rise in economic exchange, he noted that bilateral trade reached US$3.2 billion in 2024, with projections pointing toward US$4 billion in 2025. Ambassador Al-Qassimi also revealed that the UAE, under its Vision 2030, is partnering with Zimbabwe to implement development projects in the health and education sectors during 2025–2026.
As Zimbabwe and the UAE move closer to finalising CEPA, both nations are poised to unlock far-reaching opportunities that could redefine their economic and diplomatic engagement for years to come.
