Botswana has approached Zimbabwe to establish an enhanced economic partnership, coinciding with Botswana's significant economic shift aimed at reducing its dependency on diamonds and exploring new avenues for growth.

This emerged over the weekend when Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe paid a courtesy call on Zimbabwe's Vice President, Constantine Chiwenga, in Harare.

Gaolathe outlined Botswana's focus on an execution-led transformation, increased cross-border business linkages and joint investment opportunities with Zimbabwe alongside many other SADC countries.

According to Gaolathe, Botswana has reached out to Zimbabwe because the President Emmerson Mnangagwa-led administration has proved to be a tried and tested manufacturing hub.

"We have been great admirers of what Zimbabwe has been able to achieve in building a renowned quality education system. Many may not know that Zimbabwe has also been able to create a manufacturing base that many other countries, particularly many African countries, have not been able to build. Zimbabwe has been able to build entrepreneurs, including entrepreneurs in telecommunications and financial services. So, this creates a platform; this creates opportunities for Zimbabwe and Botswana."

Last year, a Botswana Economic Transformation Programme blueprint was launched to reshape the country's economic model and diversify key economic sectors.