Zimbabwe’s drive to diversify and industrialise its economy gained fresh momentum this Tuesday as various high-level exchanges between Zimbabwe and Belarus underscored deepening cooperation, particularly in science, manufacturing, agriculture, and media development. The engagements are part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s official four-day visit to Belarus, signalling a shift from traditional trade to long-term industrial collaboration.
With political ties between the two countries already warm, the focus now is on converting goodwill into tangible economic gains. ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer, Mr Allan Majuru, highlighted the evolution of the partnership from equipment importation to local production and manufacturing, noting that Belarus’ technological prowess could help transform Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape.
“We are now focusing on moving beyond trade to local assembly and manufacturing,” said Majuru. “For instance, we have been importing dairy machinery for small-scale farmers, but we are pushing for local production going forward.”
Belarus, recognised globally for its dominance in agricultural machinery, has become a key source of equipment for Zimbabwe’s mechanisation programmes. Mr Mikalai Barysevich, Director General of the Belarus National Centre for Marketing, stated that Belarus produces one in every ten tractors and one in every six harvesters worldwide, making it a strategic partner for Zimbabwe’s agricultural ambitions. However, Barysevich stressed that the relationship must be reciprocal, calling for Zimbabwean exports to Belarus to ensure mutual benefit.
In the area of finance and investment, Professor Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, met with his Belarusian counterpart to map out frameworks for increased bilateral investment. “We are looking at promoting investment, creating a wonderful opportunity between Zimbabwe and Belarus,” said Prof. Ncube.
Media and information exchange was also a key component of the visit. Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, toured the Belarusian Belta News Agency, where he discussed cooperation in areas such as digital transition, human capital development, and media sovereignty.
Dr Muswere emphasized the need for “technological sovereignty and defending the information flow within our respective countries against social media imperialism.”
President Mnangagwa’s official visit is expected to culminate in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), cementing Zimbabwe’s commitment to harnessing Belarus’ expertise while opening doors for reciprocal trade and investment. The visit reflects Zimbabwe’s broader engagement and re-engagement strategy to pursue non-traditional partnerships that are anchored on industrialisation, value addition, and economic transformation.
