Zimbabwe in regional and international relations

ZIMSEC A Level · Heritage Studies · Form 6

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Foreign policy principles

Sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful coexistence, pan-Africanism, regional integration and economic diplomacy.

Regional organisations

SADC (founded as SADCC in 1980, SADC from 1992; headquarters in Gaborone): regional integration, peace and security, development.
COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): trade integration.
The African Union (2002; replaced the OAU, formed 1963): unity, peace, Agenda 2063.

International relations

Membership of the United Nations (since 1980) and the Non-Aligned Movement (Harare hosted the 1986 summit). Relations with Western countries have included sanctions disputes and re-engagement efforts; relations with China and other partners have grown in trade and investment.

Zimbabwe's contributions

Support for liberation in Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa; peacekeeping (UN missions); regional leadership roles in SADC.

The diaspora

Millions of Zimbabweans live abroad; remittances support households and the economy, and the diaspora contributes skills and investment.

Globalisation

Opportunities (markets, technology, investment) and challenges (competition, cultural change, economic vulnerability).

Exam tip: Link foreign policy choices to historical experience – colonialism and the liberation struggle shaped pan-African commitments.

Check yourself

Where is the headquarters of SADC?
What is Agenda 2063?
Give two contributions of the diaspora to Zimbabwe.

Show answers

Gaborone, Botswana.
The African Union's long-term plan for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.
Any two: remittances, skills transfer, investment, international networks.

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