Zimbabwe and Zambia Convene High-Level Talks to Create Seamless Victoria Falls Tourism Experience

LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA – In a significant move to boost regional tourism and trade, Zimbabwe and Zambia are today holding a high-level ministerial dialogue aimed at transforming cross-border management around the iconic Victoria Falls.

The meeting, taking place in Livingstone on November 19, 2025, brings together key government officials from both nations to translate a shared presidential vision into actionable policy. The central goal is to create a seamless, hassle-free border experience for tourists and traders moving between the two countries’ premier tourism hubs: Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia.

The dialogue was inaugurated by Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa, who underscored the historic and economic imperative for enhanced cooperation.

“The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and President Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia, have articulated a clear and united vision: that the people of our two nations should move freely and easily across our shared border. For we are one people, separated only by the river,” Deputy Minister Mnangagwa stated in his opening remarks.

He emphasized that the Victoria Falls is a “God-given asset” and a “shared heritage” for both nations, arguing that cooperation, not competition, is the key to unlocking its full economic potential. “Every visitor drawn to the Falls ultimately brings value and revenue to our two nations,” he remarked.

The high-level gathering builds on the momentum of a fruitful Bi-National Commission held just last week. It assembles officials from critical sectors, including border facilitation, security, immigration, customs, and transport, to deliberate on practical solutions.

The discussions are set to address challenges identified in a 2024 assessment, which highlighted issues in border management, infrastructure, and tourism offerings. The World Bank Group, which is funding and facilitating the initiative, was acknowledged for its crucial support in modernizing the border systems.

“Our task today is to translate that leadership vision into practical action,” Mnangagwa told the delegates. He expressed hope that the meeting would yield a clear action plan with defined timeframes and monitoring mechanisms to ensure tangible progress.

The outcome of this dialogue is eagerly anticipated by the tourism industry and business communities on both sides of the Zambezi. A more efficient border is expected to enhance the visitor experience, promote sustainable economic development, and solidify the region’s status as a world-class tourism destination, finally making the vision of a truly unified Victoria Falls area a reality.