Rwanda and Zimbabwe have signed five new cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration in key sectors including health, youth development, law enforcement, energy, and customs information exchange.
The agreements were signed Wednesday during the third session of the Rwanda-Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), held in Kigali. The session brought together senior officials from both nations to review and advance bilateral relations.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira, signed the agreements on behalf of their respective governments.
Nduhungirehe said the talks built on progress made during the second JPC held in Harare in 2023 and emphasized the need to prioritize implementation.
“We must focus on putting today’s decisions into action so they yield results,” he said. “Let us establish strong follow-up mechanisms, promote knowledge exchange, and work together to resolve governance-related challenges.”
Murwira described the bilateral relationship as “a partnership rooted in friendship and mutual respect,” and praised the expanding cooperation since diplomatic missions were opened in both countries in 2019.
“Our cooperation has grown steadily since our 2021 meeting,” he said. “The agreements signed today reflect our commitment to a shared future.”
The two nations also pledged to conclude additional accords, including an extradition treaty, a double taxation avoidance agreement, and joint efforts to support citizen welfare programs.
Education remains a cornerstone of the partnership. In 2021, Rwanda and Zimbabwe signed a deal for Zimbabwe to send English teachers to support Rwandan schools and institutions. So far, dozens have been deployed to teach in teacher training colleges, vocational and technical schools, and the University of Rwanda.
Rwanda has agreed to host a total of 477 Zimbabwean educators. Many have also contributed their expertise in public institutions where English proficiency is essential.
Murwira, who toured Norrsken Kigali a youth innovation hub during his visit, said the two countries should explore further collaboration in technology and industrial development. He added that Zimbabwe is ready to offer scholarships to Rwandan students interested in innovation and manufacturing.
Both leaders also welcomed the creation of the Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business Forum, which aims to boost private sector cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, mining, and industry.
