Zimbabwe has approved two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with South Africa aimed at deepening cooperation in agriculture and meteorology.
Speaking, today, at the Post Cabinet Briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Soda Zhemu, said the agriculture agreement would provide a framework for enhanced bilateral cooperation between Zimbabwe and South Africa through technology transfer, research collaboration and increased investment in the agricultural sector.
“The Memorandum seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture through sharing, technology transfer, research, facilitation of trade and investment,” said Dr Zhemu.
He said the agreement would also improve preparedness and response mechanisms for transboundary animals, plant pests and diseases, which continue to pose significant threats to agricultural productivity and regional food security.
“Additionally, the cooperation will strengthen preparedness and response to transboundary animal and plant pests and diseases through enhanced surveillance systems, harmonised sanitary and phytosanitary measures, promote agricultural trade, efficient movement of inputs and the development of regional value chain and market access,” he said.
Cabinet also approved a second Memorandum of Understanding between Zimbabwe and South Africa’s Weather Services on cooperation in the field of meteorology, which is expected to enhance climate monitoring and support socio-economic development.
Dr Zhemu said the agreement would establish cooperation between the two countries in promoting meteorological science and strengthening weather-related infrastructure.
“The MoU seeks to establish cooperation between the parties towards achievement of common goals including promoting the science of meteorology and its application in socio-economic development, as well as development and maintenance of meteorological infrastructure.
The agreement comes at a time when accurate weather forecasting has become increasingly important for agriculture, disaster risk reduction, water resource management and climate change adaptation strategies,” he added.
The two agreements underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation through mutually beneficial partnerships that support sustainable development objectives.
Furthermore, enhanced collaboration in agriculture is expected to improve productivity and regional trade, while advances in meteorological cooperation will contribute to more reliable weather services and climate resilience initiatives that are critical for economic growth and safeguarding livelihoods across both countries.
