US President Donald Trump is expected to send a delegation to Zimbabwe for talks with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in a move that could signal a fresh attempt to improve relations between Washington and Harare.
The development follows recent meetings between Mnangagwa, US lawmakers and business representatives on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Zanu PF spokesperson Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa confirmed that discussions with American officials were ongoing, saying Mnangagwa held a meeting lasting more than an hour with Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman of Indiana.
Mutsvangwa said the meeting, which was held at Stutzman’s request, was described by the congressman as “eye-opening, cordial and promising”.
He said Stutzman subsequently reported the discussions to Trump and proposed an “impromptu congress-cum-business delegation” to Zimbabwe.
The proposed visit comes as Harare seeks to attract US and other Western investors under Mnangagwa’s “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy.
Zimbabwe is particularly seeking investment in critical minerals and their local processing as it positions itself to benefit from the global energy transition.
Mutsvangwa and Ronald Kovach, Stutzman’s deputy chief of staff, said Zimbabwe was seeking strategic partnerships to increase value addition, attract foreign capital and strengthen its position in global mineral supply chains.
The improving engagement has also coincided with Zimbabwe gaining access to the US tariff-rate quota system for raw sugar exports.
The country has been allocated 813 tonnes under the 2027 quota, allowing duty-free access to the US market.
Zimbabwean Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Ambassador Albert Chimbindi also confirmed that Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira recently met Stutzman.
Chimbindi said the meeting reflected a shared desire to deepen bilateral relations and address issues that have hindered stronger ties between the two countries.
He added that officials discussed possible high-level visits, saying the exchange could pave the way for direct engagement between Mnangagwa and senior US representatives.
The renewed diplomatic push is reportedly receiving support from Massad Boulos, a senior Trump administration adviser on African and Arab affairs.
