Zimbabwe Completes Steps to Rejoin the Commonwealth

Natalie Nyathi

Zimbabwe has successfully completed all the necessary steps to rejoin the Commonwealth and is now waiting for guidance from the organization’s secretariat on the next part of the re-admission process. This important development follows the country’s formal expression of interest in rejoining the Commonwealth, which it had voluntary exited in 2003.

Under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, Zimbabwe has increased its efforts to engage with other countries and international organizations. This strategy aligns with the government’s foreign policy, which focuses on being “a friend to all and an enemy to none.”

In a recent statement in Parliament, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, emphasized the government’s commitment to working with regional and international organizations that promote peaceful cooperation. “This informed our decision to apply for readmission into the Commonwealth,” he said.

The re-admission process involves four steps: an informal assessment by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, consultations with current member states, an invitation to submit a formal application, and then the submission of that application along with proof of democratic processes and public support. “Zimbabwe undertook all four steps following our expression of interest,” Murwira explained.

He also mentioned that Zimbabwe has submitted detailed reports on its progress in line with Vision 2030, a plan to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy. These efforts have led to an assessment report from the Commonwealth Secretariat, recognizing the significant reforms made since 2017.

Murwira highlighted that the government worked closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat throughout the process, facilitating necessary visits and consultations. “The Secretariat conducted all required visits with our agreement and presented recommendations to member states,” he noted.

The government is now waiting to hear from the Commonwealth Secretariat about the next steps. Murwira reiterated Zimbabwe’s readiness for constructive dialogue, stressing the importance of respectful engagement with the Commonwealth and its members.

Zimbabwe’s renewed bid to join the Commonwealth has attracted a lot of international interest and is seen as an important part of its broader strategy to improve its position on the global stage. Rejoining the Commonwealth is expected to strengthen diplomatic relations, enhance trade opportunities, and provide access to various technical cooperation programs offered by the organization.