Zimbabwe and Belarus have reaffirmed their growing strategic partnership during the mid-term review session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), with senior officials from both nations underscoring a shared commitment to expanding bilateral ties. Mr. Pearson T. Chigiji, Chief Director for Political Affairs and head of Zimbabwe’s delegation, delivered a firm statement highlighting the blossoming relationship, grounded in mutual respect, historical solidarity, and a shared defiance of Western-imposed sanctions.
In his address, Chigiji celebrated the unprecedented pace of engagement between Harare and Minsk, drawing attention to the historic 2023 state visit by President Alexander Lukashenko—the first of its kind by a Belarusian leader to sub-Saharan Africa—as a defining milestone. The visit, according to Chigiji, laid a solid foundation for continued cooperation, and the upcoming reciprocal visit by President Mnangagwa to Belarus in May 2025 is expected to deepen this momentum, especially in the economic sphere.
Among the key outcomes celebrated was Belarus’ decision to designate Zimbabwe as its industrial manufacturing hub in the region. Planned projects, including bus and tractor assembly lines and lithium beneficiation plants, are expected to begin operations by the end of the year. This industrial cooperation aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 and reflects a pragmatic shift toward new global partnerships beyond traditional Western allies.
Chigiji emphasized the importance of translating diplomatic agreements into tangible outcomes on the ground. He urged stakeholders to ensure that deals signed at high-level forums are implemented efficiently, arguing that failure to do so would render the JPCC discussions ineffective. The joint commission, he said, provides a vital mechanism for reviewing past progress and identifying areas that require more attention.
On the geopolitical front, Zimbabwe and Belarus continue to present a united front against Western sanctions, which both nations describe as illegal and unjustified. Their shared opposition to coercive diplomacy and their advocacy for multilateralism and respect for sovereignty were reaffirmed, positioning the two as natural allies in a changing global order.
Chigiji’s address also praised the Zimbabwe-Belarus Business Forum, which has emerged as a catalyst for joint ventures and investments. Though the forum was not held during this session, it is scheduled to convene during President Mnangagwa’s May visit, where it is expected to yield new economic opportunities in manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital innovation.
In sum, the session marks a maturing stage in Zimbabwe-Belarus relations, with both nations demonstrating an eagerness to institutionalize their cooperation through implementation-focused dialogue. As the global political landscape continues to shift, the partnership between these two nations stands as a case study in alternative diplomacy—anchored in economic pragmatism, shared values, and resilience in the face of external pressure.
