Zimbabwe and Serbia are exploring deeper cooperation in information and communication technologies, as the two countries seek to turn their longstanding diplomatic relationship into practical economic programmes.
ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera this week met Serbian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Radisa Grujić for discussions covering technology transfer, digital innovation, skills development, joint research and institutional capacity building. Mavetera said the two sides also discussed using Expo 2027 Belgrade to showcase Zimbabwe’s digital economy, innovation ecosystem and investment opportunities.
The specialised international exhibition will run in Belgrade from May 15 to August 15, 2027, under the theme “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All.” Zimbabwe is among the countries confirmed to participate. Mavetera said a growing number of Zimbabwean students were studying ICT and related programmes in Serbia, describing their skills as potentially valuable to Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.
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She did not provide student numbers or details of any new scholarship or exchange programme. The meeting builds on talks held in Belgrade on May 8 between Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić. Their discussions covered agriculture, trade, ICT, education and culture.
Serbia also proposed establishing a joint interstate commission for economic cooperation, while welcoming a recent visit by a Zimbabwean business delegation. Serbia also pledged to support Zimbabwe’s preparations for Expo 2027. Zimbabwe and Serbia established diplomatic relations in 1980 and describe their political ties as traditionally close. Serbia has also acknowledged Zimbabwe’s continued support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity over Kosovo. Serbia reopened its embassy in Harare around 2022,
signalling renewed interest in strengthening political and economic relations with Zimbabwe. However, commercial relations remain limited. Official Serbian figures show that bilateral merchandise trade totalled €2.1 million in 2025. Serbia imported goods worth about €2 million from Zimbabwe while exporting goods valued at only €88,000. The latest discussions position ICT, education and Expo 2027 as possible entry points for expanding a relationship that has remained politically warm but commercially modest.
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