Locating Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Zimbabwe, Kenya relations

Vincent Gono , News Editor

PRESIDENT William Ruto of Kenya is expected to officially open the 64th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) at the invitation of his counterpart President Mnangagwa.

Sunday News explored the relationship between Zimbabwe and Kenya, which has roots in colonial history and offers several insights into areas of enhanced cooperation, investment and trade.

Historically, both countries were part of the British Empire in Africa although their experiences under colonial rule differed.

Zimbabwe was colonised in the late 19th century, while Kenya was colonised in the early 20th century.

Historical research has shown that the colonial administrations in both territories imposed systems of governance that favoured British interests and marginalised indigenous populations.

The common denominator between the two countries remained in the area of empowering the previously marginalised indigenous population.

Independence Struggles: In the mid-20th century, both Zimbabwe and Kenya witnessed nationalist movements seeking independence from colonial rule. In Zimbabwe, the struggle for independence led to the formation of guerrilla groups such as the Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu) and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (Zapu). Similarly, Kenya’s independence movement was spearheaded by organisations like the Kenya African National Union (Kanu) and the Mau Mau movement.

Solidarity and Support: During their respective struggles for independence, Zimbabwean and Kenyan nationalists found solidarity and support from each other and other African liberation movements. They shared common goals of achieving self-determination and ending colonial oppression.

Post-Independence Relations: After gaining independence, Zimbabwe and Kenya established diplomatic relations and became members of regional organisations such as the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU). They have collaborated on various regional and international issues, including peacekeeping efforts and promoting African unity and development.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties: While official diplomatic relations are important, cultural and people-to-people ties also contribute to the historical connection between Zimbabwe and Kenya. These ties include educational exchanges, cultural exchanges and interactions among diaspora communities.

Trade and Economic Relations: Over the years, trade and economic relations between Zimbabwe and Kenya have remained stable, influenced by factors such as political stability, economic policies, and regional dynamics. Both countries have explored opportunities for trade and investment co-operation, with vast potential for further expansion and diversification of economic ties.

Overall, the historical ties between Zimbabwe and Kenya are rooted in their shared experiences of colonialism, independence struggles and efforts towards regional co-operation and development.

While they may have taken different trajectories since independence, the historical connection remains an important aspect of their relationship.

In terms of regional co-operation, both Zimbabwe and Kenya are active members of bodies such as the AU, the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa). The two sister republics have collaborated on regional initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security and economic development in Africa.

Shared Challenges have also provided for a more co-operative interaction between the two countries aimed at addressing challenges through cooperation and mutual support.

Trade between Zimbabwe and Kenya represents an important aspect of economic relations within the African continent. While trade volumes between the two countries may vary over time, there are several key areas of trade co-operation and potential growth opportunities.

Agricultural Products: Both Zimbabwe and Kenya are agrarian economies with diverse agricultural sectors. There is potential for increased trade in agricultural products such as tea, coffee, horticultural products and processed foods.

Minerals and Resources: Zimbabwe is rich in mineral resources such as gold, platinum and diamonds.

Conversely, Kenya has resources like soda ash, titanium and oil exploration potential. There is potential for co-operation in the exploration and extraction of these resources, as well as trade-in mineral products.

Manufactured Goods: Zimbabwean industries produce various manufactured goods, including textiles, clothing, and machinery. Kenya, with its vibrant manufacturing sector, offers a market for Zimbabwean products, while Zimbabwe could import machinery, electronics, and other manufactured goods from Kenya.

Services: Services trade, including tourism, financial services and professional services, presents opportunities for collaboration between the two countries. Kenya’s booming tourism industry can attract Zimbabwean tourists, while Zimbabwe can offer unique tourism experiences to Kenyan visitors.

Investment: Both countries can benefit from increased investment co-operation. Zimbabwe offers investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, mining, infrastructure and tourism, while

Kenya’s diverse economy presents investment prospects in manufacturing, services, technology and infrastructure.

Trade Agreements: Leveraging regional trade agreements such as the East African Community (EAC) and Comesa, Zimbabwe and Kenya have been working to enhance trade facilitation and reduce trade barriers, promoting smoother trade relations.

Overall, while trade between Zimbabwe and Kenya may have room for growth and diversification, there are ample opportunities for co-operation and mutual benefit across various sectors.

Strengthening trade ties can contribute to both countries’ economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity.

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) holds significant importance within the Sadc region as a platform for fostering economic co-operation and trade relations among member states.

Participation in ZITF allows Sadc nations to showcase their products, services and investment opportunities, facilitating cross-border trade and collaboration.

Furthermore, ZITF serves as a forum for dialogue and networking, enabling stakeholders from across the region to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and address common challenges in areas such as trade facilitation, infrastructure development and industrialisation.

Kenya, however, is a member of EAC that also plays a pivotal role in regional integration and economic development within the East African region.

EAC aims to promote intra-regional trade, enhance competitiveness and facilitate the free movement of goods, services and people, among member states.

EAC strives to create a conducive environment for business growth and investment within East Africa, by harmonizing trade policies, reducing trade barriers and improving infrastructure connectivity.

Both Sadc and EAC contribute to the broader objectives of regional integration, economic diversification and sustainable development across Southern and East Africa. By promoting trade and co-operation among member states, these platforms play a crucial role in advancing regional economic integration agendas and fostering shared prosperity for the people of Africa.

It is therefore important to point out that more investment and trade opportunities can be yielded from Sadc and EAC through such international platforms as ZITF.