HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa presided over the signing of several Memorandum of Understanding with Belarus in Minsk on Tuesday, but opposition legislators refused to approve an agreement meant to “protect and secure” Belarusian investments in Zimbabwe.
Sheila Chikomo, the deputy minister of foreign affairs, presented the memorandum of agreement in the National Assembly seeking ratification of the agreement on promotion and reciprocal protection of investments.
She said parliament should approve the agreement by May 31, 2025.
President Mnangagwa signed the agreement in 2023 but it does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by parliament.
A parliamentary committee on foreign affairs also recommended that the agreement be approved because it presents a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe to promote investment, foster sustainable development and strengthen economic ties.
Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change MPs voiced disquiet.
“The coincidence of the minister bringing this agreement before this August House was designed to be timed with the president’s official visit currently happening,” said Edwin Mushoriwa, MP for Dzivarasekwa.
Mushoriwa said parliament cannot approve the agreement without full information on the balance of trade between Belarus and Zimbabwe.
“We also need to be worried when we end up having a trade agreement which can be manipulated and exploited by few individuals who are connected.”
Mbizo MP Corban Madziwanyika said the agreement would only benefit Belarus since Zimbabwe will only be importing finished products including tractors.
Another MP Mutsa Murombedzi said “parliament should not become a rubber stamp for executive deals.”
“It’s a document that potentially grants disapproportionate power to foreign capital with little accountability. I therefore call upon this house to defer the approval,” she said.
Zanu PF MPs among them Supa Mandiwanzira vociferously pushed for the agreement’s approval.
Bela
