Regular and meaningful engagement between the private sectors of Nepal and Zimbabwe has been emphasised as a key driver of economic growth and bilateral cooperation.

Speaking at the second Nepal–Zimbabwe Economic Partnership Roundtable organised by the Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) on Tuesday, participants urged Zimbabwe’s non-resident ambassador to Nepal, Stella Nkomo, to facilitate closer collaboration between the two nations’ private sectors.

Ambassador Nkomo had presented her credentials to President Ramchandra Paudel on Monday.

Welcoming Ambassador Nkomo, AIDIA’s founding director Sunil KC expressed optimism that the follow-up to the first roundtable held in Kathmandu in 2018 would pave the way for stronger private sector engagement between the two countries.

“There are numerous areas for joint investment and collaboration between our nations,” KC said. “Currently, trade between Zimbabwe and Nepal is minimal, but there is significant potential to increase economic exchanges.”

Responding to participants, Ambassador Nkomo highlighted investment prospects in Zimbabwe and the importance of greater private sector involvement. She invited Nepali entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in Zimbabwe, noting that her government offers tax exemptions and allows full repatriation of profits. “Investors are allowed to repatriate 100 percent of their profits,” she said.

Nepal and Zimbabwe established formal diplomatic ties on November 27, 1984.

Despite decades of friendly relations, bilateral engagement has remained limited. However, both sides see promising potential in expanding cooperation across trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

Like Nepal, Zimbabwe has considerable hydropower potential, although its economy is primarily driven by mining and mineral exports.

Nepal could export textiles and handicrafts to Zimbabwe, and potentially expand its range of traditional exports. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe could export valuable mineral resources such as gold and lithium to Nepal.

Both countries are landlocked and share similar development challenges—creating strong grounds for mutually beneficial partnerships.