Commitment to Fostering Peaceful Relations, Cooperation, and Mutual Understanding

"Zimbabwe's strategic location in the Southern African region, coupled with India's growing economy and technological prowess, presents opportunities for win-win partnerships." mentioned H.E. Ms. Stella Nkomo, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in her message, extending wishes for Africa Day 2025.

H.E. Ms. Stella Nkomo, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in New Delhi, India

On the occasion of Africa Day 2025, Zimbabwe extends warm greetings to the people of Africa and the global community. Guided by our foreign policy principle of being a friend to all and an enemy to none, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering peaceful relations, cooperation, and mutual understanding. As we commemorate this significant day under the theme 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,' we recognize the importance of collective action and solidarity in addressing historical injustices and promoting a more equitable world. May Africa Day 2025 inspire renewed efforts towards peace, development, and cooperation for the benefit of all Africans and the global community.

ZIMBABWE - INDIA TIES STRENGTHENED THROUGH ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

As the continent celebrates Africa Day 2025 under the theme "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations," Zimbabwe and India are poised to further strengthen their economic ties. The relationship between the two countries has been built on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation, with a common vision for the Global South. Zimbabwe's strategic location in the Southern African region, coupled with India's growing economy and technological prowess, presents opportunities for win-win partnerships. The Government of Zimbabwe values the role of Indian companies in our country's development and appreciates their contributions to our economy.

India has been a steadfast development partner, supporting Zimbabwe through lines of credit, capacity-building initiatives, and educational exchanges. Academic collaboration continues to be a cornerstone of our bilateral relationship. Zimbabwe is currently working to expand scholarship opportunities through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), encourage joint research initiatives, and promote university linkages. Indian universities are also encouraged to participate in education fairs and outreach programs in Zimbabwe to deepen academic ties.

The key priorities for Zimbabwe in India are to deepen economic diplomacy, promote trade, tourism and investment, strengthen academic partnerships, and enhance cultural exchanges. Zimbabwe is particularly keen to leverage India’s strengths in healthcare, digital innovation, renewable energy, and skills development to support Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda of becoming an Upper Middle-Income Society, the country presents a compelling investment landscape. With its favourable business climate, coupled with strategic location and resource abundance, Zimbabwe offers a gateway for companies seeking to expand into Africa.

A diverse range of investment opportunities are offered in sectors including Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mining and Mineral Processing, Energy, Infrastructure Development, Transport and Information Technology.

Zimbabwe is emerging as a prime destination for tourism investment in Southern Africa, driven by its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. The government has identified key areas for investment, including ecotourism, wildlife conservation, hotel and resort development, cultural and heritage tourism, and adventure tourism.

The construction of a state-of-the-art cricket stadium in Victoria Falls, in preparation for co-hosting the ICC U-19 World Cup Championship in 2026 and the Senior World Cup Championship in 2027 alongside South Africa and Namibia is strategic for Zimbabwe's tourism infrastructure and testament to the notion that collaboration and not competition is the future driver of tourism growth in Africa.

The country's central location in the SADC region makes it a natural transit corridor for visitors. Zimbabwe's diverse regions offer vast opportunities for new tourism development, offering opportunities for investors to venture into markets with little competition. Additionally, Zimbabwe boasts a well-educated and skilled labor force, well-suited for the tourism sector, and a well-developed regulatory framework that protects investor interests.

On this Africa Day, we acknowledge the significant contributions of Indian investments to Zimbabwe's economic growth and development. Furthermore, tourism is set to play a vital role in strengthening Zimbabwe-India relationships. We intend to boost tourism cooperation by promoting cultural exchange programs, empowering youth, women and marginalised communities through sustainable initiatives such as gastronomy and agrotourism.

As we celebrate African unity, solidarity, and progress, Zimbabwe reaffirms its dedication to strengthening economic and tourism ties with India, while also contributing to the broader African agenda of promoting justice and equity. Through economic diplomacy and tourism cooperation, Zimbabwe and India can continue to explore new opportunities for collaboration, driving growth and development in both countries.