KEY POINTS
- Zimbabwe’s trade with Indonesia grew from $60 million to $93 million.
- Kenya expanded air travel links, boosting trade and tourism with Zimbabwe.
- Both ambassadors pledged continued support for Zimbabwe’s global reintegration
Zimbabwe’s trade with Indonesia has grown to $93 million over four years, with tobacco and cotton as key exports.
The outgoing Indonesian Ambassador, Dewa Juniarta Sastrawan, highlighted the economic progress between the two countries during his farewell meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare.
Since 2019, trade volume has increased from $60 million to $93 million, with Zimbabwe’s high-quality tobacco used in Indonesian cigarette production.
According to ZBC News, the two nations have also partnered in fertilizer production, with one company already operating in Zimbabwe using Indonesian technology.
Additionally, Indonesia is keen to collaborate with Zimbabwe on lithium processing, as the Southeast Asian nation ramps up electric car and motorcycle battery production.
“We have nickel, but we don’t have lithium,” Sastrawan said, emphasizing the need for strategic cooperation.
Kenya strengthens diplomatic ties with Zimbabwe
The Kenyan Ambassador, Stella Munyi, also bid farewell to President Mnangagwa, describing relations between Zimbabwe and Kenya as excellent.
She highlighted Kenya’s increased participation in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
Munyi pointed to the revival of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC), which had been inactive since 1989.
“During my tenure, we held the third session in 2021 and 2024, and I look forward to a midterm review this year,” she said.
She also noted the growing role of Kenya Airways, which has expanded its flight frequencies between Nairobi, Harare, and Victoria Falls.
The airline now offers 16 flights from Nairobi to Harare and four to Victoria Falls, facilitating trade, tourism, and diplomatic exchanges.
Regional peace and economic cooperation remain a priority
Beyond trade, Munyi commended Zimbabwe and Kenya’s joint efforts in promoting regional stability.
She acknowledged President Mnangagwa’s active role in peace discussions concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other regional security matters.
Additionally, Munyi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advocating for the removal of Western sanctions against Zimbabwe.
“We are there to champion Zimbabwe’s re-admission into the Commonwealth and push for the lifting of economic restrictions that have hindered growth,” she said.
As Zimbabwe continues engaging global partners, President Mnangagwa’s meetings with the departing ambassadors reinforce the country’s efforts to expand trade, attract investment, and solidify diplomatic relations.
