Rwanda and Zimbabwe have signed five new bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in health, youth development, law enforcement, energy, and customs information sharing.
The agreements were formalized during the third session of the Rwanda-Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), held this week in Kigali. The high-level talks were led by Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira.
“The focus now must be on implementation,” Nduhungirehe said following the signing. “Let today’s decisions be matched by action, through strong follow-up mechanisms and practical cooperation.”
Since establishing diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals in 2019, the two countries have expanded ties across sectors including agriculture, tourism, and correctional services. Over 25 cooperation agreements have been signed to date.
Murwira said the growing partnership reflects “deep friendship and mutual respect,” noting progress since the first JPC meeting in 2021.
One of the standout areas of cooperation is education. In 2021, the two governments signed a memorandum allowing Zimbabwe to deploy English language teachers to Rwandan institutions. To date, dozens of educators have supported teaching efforts at teacher training colleges, technical and vocational schools, and at the University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Rwanda has committed to hosting a total of 477 Zimbabwean teachers, who are also supporting English use in public institutions and government offices.
Murwira also toured Kigali’s Norrsken innovation hub and said the two countries should explore joint ventures in technology, manufacturing, and industrial development. He added that Zimbabwe is prepared to offer scholarships to Rwandan students in areas such as innovation, science, and engineering.
Officials from both sides said negotiations are underway on new agreements, including one on the extradition of fugitives and another to eliminate double taxation—moves they say will enhance investment and justice cooperation.
A Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business Forum, created to connect private sector actors from both nations, is also expected to drive partnerships in agribusiness, mining, tourism, and industry.
“We’re not just signing papers,” Murwira said. “We’re building a future based on shared goals and practical results.”
