Published: 23 September 2025

In a move reflecting his "listening leader" approach, President Emmerson Mnangagwa over the weekend met with cross-border traders who presented him with a birthday gift and shared challenges affecting their trade operations. The President celebrated his 83rd birthday last Monday.

The engagement, organized by Crossborders for Economic Development (Crossborders 4ED), provided traders with a platform to express appreciation for government support and to raise operational concerns. According to the national chairman, Mr David Masomere, the traders presented President Mnangagwa with a smart podium in line with the Second Republic's Vision 2030.

"Firstly, we presented a birthday gift to our leader, President Mnangagwa, as a token of appreciation for his support and leadership," Masomere said. "Secondly, we thanked him for the continued backing provided through the Special Advisor to the President, Paul Tungwarara."

During the meeting, traders highlighted key challenges affecting their operations, including numerous checking points along the Beitbridge-Harare route and high duty fees at border posts.

"We raised the issue of multiple searching points when crossing the border, which can be as many as ten between Beitbridge and Harare. This affects efficiency, and we sought ways to streamline operations while remaining committed to legal trade," Masomere said.

The issue of high duty fees at borders was also raised, with traders requesting relief to ease their operational costs. In response, President Mnangagwa instructed them to prepare a detailed document outlining all concerns, promising to review the submissions and explore solutions to support cross-border trade.

Masomere emphasized that the traders are strongly against smuggling and corruption, and support government efforts to curb graft at border posts.

In recent years, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has enhanced border security and revenue collection through technology, including the adoption of drones to monitor the country's borders with neighbouring countries. These initiatives aim to improve the ease of doing business while preventing illicit trade.

The engagement underscores President Mnangagwa's focus on improving trade facilitation, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensuring that legal cross-border trade contributes effectively to Zimbabwe's economy.
- the chronicle

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