The Kavango East Region and the province of Mashonaland West of Zimbabwe have officially renewed the five-year memorandum of understanding through a signing ceremony held in Chinhoyi this morning. 

The renewed MoU reinforces the key issue of promoting and fostering socio-economic development between the two regions; this includes collaborations in areas of sustainable agricultural practices, aimed at poverty reduction, and capacity building through shared ideas, experiences, networking and relevant exchange visits.

Speaking at the official signing, the Minister for Provincial Affairs in Mashonaland West, Marian Chombo, highlighted the significant milestone in renewing the agreement, which stands to massively benefit both parties.

For Mashonaland West province, she said, the MoU will assist in adopting practices with regard to innovative approaches towards development, community engagement and natural resources management, and collaborating in projects that can uplift the two communities and create sustainable employment. Chombo further noted that Kavango East stands to gain opportunities to explore new markets, attract investments, and benefit from the province's agricultural expertise, human capital, and experience managing diverse challenges.

The MoU further focuses on areas of education and training, regional integration, promotion of investments and trade, and the development and sharing of technologies.

Signing on behalf of the Kavango East Region, the chairperson of the management committee, Damian Maghambai, said that while the MoU covers areas of education, health and infrastructure, among other areas, agriculture remains a priority, with local farmers benefiting from it.

He noted that speedy implementation of the agreement is crucial. 

Also in attendance was Namibia's ambassador to Zimbabwe, Nicklaas  Kaandjii.