Recent months have seen social media filled with baseless claims of a rift between the Governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia, perpetuated by detractors aiming to create discord between the two neighboring nations. Despite these rumors, the past week has shown a united front as Zimbabwe and Zambia join hands to support Zambia’s candidate for the AfDB presidency.
Social media enthusiasts, like Joseph Kalimbwe, who have been spreading falsehoods about a standoff between Zimbabwe and Zambia, have been proven wrong. The Zambian government formally requested Zimbabwe’s support for its candidate in the 2025 African Development Bank (AfDB) presidential elections, and Zimbabwe has pledged its full support.
Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Ambassador Frederick Shava, confirmed the support, emphasizing the importance of backing a neighboring country. Zambia’s early approach to Zimbabwe highlights the strategic importance of securing regional allies in significant elections. Both nations are gaining regional recognition, with Zimbabwe set to assume the SADC Chairmanship and Zambia being the outgoing SADC Troika Chairperson.
The AfDB, Africa’s largest development bank, plays a crucial role in financing infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives across the continent. Zimbabwe’s support for Zambia’s presidency could enhance its own financial interests, especially given that Judith Kateera, a Zimbabwean, is the AfDB’s Executive Director for Southern Africa, overseeing Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Botswana.
