Ghana and Zimbabwe have taken a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations following the signing of 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at Peduase Lodge in Ghana’s Eastern Region, marking a major outcome of the ongoing state visit by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The agreements were finalised after high-level bilateral talks with President John Dramani Mahama, with both leaders committing to elevate cooperation between their countries into a more structured and strategic partnership. The visit, which began on April 1, forms part of efforts to deepen diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
President Mnangagwa’s three-day visit to Ghana underscores a renewed push by both countries to revitalise historic relations rooted in shared values of African liberation and unity. The discussions focused on practical ways to expand collaboration across key sectors critical to development and economic growth.
Among the major outcomes was the adoption of the agreed minutes of the inaugural session of the Ghana-Zimbabwe Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation. This framework is expected to serve as a central mechanism for coordinating bilateral initiatives and monitoring the implementation of agreements reached between both countries.
The two nations also signed an MoU on political and diplomatic consultations, aimed at strengthening engagement between their foreign ministries. In addition, agreements were reached to enhance research, training and documentation between their respective foreign service institutes, reflecting a commitment to building institutional capacity and knowledge exchange.
Cooperation in sports and recreation development also featured prominently, highlighting the importance of youth engagement and talent development as part of broader national development strategies. This aligns with efforts by both governments to invest in social sectors that contribute to long-term growth.
Further agreements were signed in the areas of health, energy, tourism and archives management. These sectors are considered vital for improving public services, boosting economic activity and preserving national heritage. The health cooperation framework is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building, while collaboration in energy is likely to focus on improving access and sustainability.
Tourism development was also identified as a key area of partnership, with both countries seeking to leverage their cultural and natural assets to attract more visitors. Archives management cooperation will support the preservation of historical records and strengthen institutional memory.
Trade and investment facilitation formed a central pillar of the agreements, with a partnership established between ZIM-Trade and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority. This is expected to promote business linkages, increase market access and encourage cross-border investments between the two economies.
Cultural and historical cooperation was further reinforced through an agreement linking the Institute of African Knowledge with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board on an African liberation project. This initiative aims to preserve and promote the shared history of African independence movements while educating future generations.
In addition to the intergovernmental agreements, a separate deal was signed between private sector entities Zoomlion Ghana Limited and Geo Pomona Waste Management of Zimbabwe. This partnership brings the total number of agreements concluded during the visit to eleven and highlights the growing role of private sector collaboration in strengthening bilateral ties.
Addressing the closing session, President Mahama described the visit as a reaffirmation of the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Zimbabwe. He noted that discussions between the two delegations were comprehensive and forward-looking, covering sectors such as energy, agriculture, defence, education, mining and labour.
He emphasised the importance of translating policy agreements into tangible outcomes, particularly through increased trade and stronger private sector participation. According to him, both countries are committed to building a dynamic and mutually beneficial economic partnership driven by targeted investments and practical cooperation.
President Mahama also announced that the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation will meet every two years on a rotational basis between Ghana and Zimbabwe. This will be supported by annual mid-term reviews and regular engagements among senior officials to ensure effective implementation of agreed initiatives.
On the international stage, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Pan-Africanism and multilateral cooperation. They pledged closer collaboration within platforms such as the African Union and the United Nations, while also addressing global challenges including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and instability in energy markets.
The two leaders called for greater diplomacy, respect for national sovereignty and adherence to international law as essential principles for maintaining global peace and stability.
President Mnangagwa expressed appreciation to Ghana for its continued advocacy for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. He described Ghana’s support as a demonstration of enduring African solidarity and a reflection of the strong historical ties between the two nations.
Both leaders agreed that the visit had provided a clear roadmap for strengthening relations and unlocking new opportunities for mutual benefit. The agreements reached are expected to lay the foundation for a renewed phase of cooperation, driven by shared goals and a commitment to sustainable development.
List of the 10 MoUs signed
Agreed Minutes of the inaugural session of the Ghana-Zimbabwe Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation
MoU on Cooperation in Political and Diplomatic Consultations
MoU on Research, Training and Documentation between Foreign Service Institutes
MoU on Cooperation in Sports and Recreation Development
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Energy
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Archives
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Tourism
MoU between ZIM-Trade and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority
MoU between the Institute of African Knowledge and the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board on the African Liberation Project
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