Zambia And Rwanda Move Towards Visa Exemption Deal

Zambia and Rwanda have moved a step closer to a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement, following bilateral consultations in Lusaka on Monday.

Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation Ms Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen received Rwanda's High Commissioner to Zambia, His Excellency Emmanuel Bugingo, at Charter House for talks covering a range of proposed agreements between the two countries.

The visa arrangement drew the most attention. Both sides underscored the importance of bringing the proposed Memorandum of Understanding to fruition, and the practical case is straightforward. Easing movement between the two countries lowers the cost of doing business for traders, opens Zambia to Rwandan visitors and strengthens the people-to-people ties that formal agreements alone cannot build.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of Rwanda hosting the eighth session of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation in 2027. The Commission is the standing mechanism through which the two governments review progress, identify new areas of partnership and keep bilateral work on a formal footing between political visits.

Ms Gundersen expressed appreciation for the goodwill message conveyed by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda to President Hakainde Hichilema following his re-election.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to advancing areas of mutual interest for the benefit of their peoples.

Rwanda has pursued visa liberalisation across the continent in recent years, and an agreement with Zambia would fit that pattern while giving Zambian traders and travellers reciprocal access.