Bulawayo, Francistown move to strengthen cross-border cooperation

Published: 9 hours ago

The City of Bulawayo and Botswana's Francistown have agreed to establish a joint committee aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, tourism, agriculture and service delivery as part of efforts to deepen regional integration.

Officials from Francistown visited Bulawayo last week to explore a twinning arrangement between the two cities, which are both second-largest urban centres in their respective countries. The initiative is intended to create structured collaboration in economic development, governance and public services while strengthening existing bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Botswana.

The Francistown delegation was led by mayor Gaone Majere, accompanied by councillors and administrative officials, including acting town clerk Pedzani Selwana-Mahama. The Bulawayo team was led by deputy mayor councillor Edwin Ndlovu, representing mayor David Coltart, alongside town clerk Christopher Dube and senior city officials.

Dube said the proposed partnership should align with outcomes from recent bilateral engagements under the Zimbabwe–Botswana Bi-National Commission, noting the need to convert diplomatic goodwill into tangible local development.

"It is crucial that Bulawayo and Francistown establish a defined working relationship," he said, adding that the cooperation should leverage agreements between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana President Duma Boko.

The two cities agreed to form a joint committee that will develop a framework guiding cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, health, tourism, governance, sports and agriculture.

During the visit, the delegation toured several Bulawayo facilities, including the Chamber of SMEs, the Fire Station and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds.

In a related engagement, Bulawayo also hosted a delegation from Botswana's North-East district, covering 43 villages from Ramokgwebane to Francistown, which is also seeking cooperation with the city.

Assistant Minister for Child Welfare and Basic Education Justin Hunyepa said the district hopes to collaborate with Bulawayo in agriculture, agro-processing, MSMEs, tourism and infrastructure development.

City officials said the engagements reflect growing sub-national diplomacy aimed at boosting local economic development through cross-border partnerships and regional cooperation.
- NewsDay