Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Principles of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Bill, 2025, a legislative framework expected to formalise and codify Zimbabwe’s foreign policy procedures for the first time.
The bill is intended to align the country’s diplomatic conduct with constitutional provisions while strengthening mechanisms that safeguard national sovereignty, integrity and economic interests.
Presenting the principles, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira said government was accelerating work on the legislation after the President signalled it as a priority in the legislative agenda.
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“Zimbabwe, through the President’s State of the Nation Address in his legislative agenda, stated that during this time, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Bill shall be considered,” he said. “And we have quickly responded by drafting the principles of that bill.”
Murwira said the proposed law is designed to bring clarity and structure to the conduct of Zimbabwe’s external relations. “The bill is meant to codify the foreign policy processes and procedures of Zimbabwe,” he said.
He added that the bill draws directly from constitutional provisions outlining the foundations of Zimbabwe’s foreign policy. “The purpose of Zimbabwe’s foreign policy is clearly set out in the Constitution—Section 12 Subsection 1 and Section 12 Subsection 2,” he said.
“These, along with Chapter 2 of the Constitution, direct the state to enact laws and policies that ensure Zimbabwe’s integrity, sovereignty and the prosperity of its people.”
The draft principles will now move to the Attorney-General’s Office for crafting of the full bill before it is tabled in Parliament.
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