Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its position to maintain trade relations with Israel despite growing international criticism and calls for sanctions over the ongoing military conflict in Gaza. Ndavaningi Mangwana, Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, emphasized that Zimbabwe will not impose unilateral trade restrictions unless such action is mandated by the United Nations.
Mangwana made the remarks during a government tour of key development projects in Beitbridge, where he highlighted Zimbabwe’s cautious approach to international sanctions, drawing from the country’s own painful experience with global embargoes in the past.
“We had countries that imposed sanctions on us, and we know how painful it was. We do not wish that on anyone,” Mangwana said. “We will wait for the UN to make a decision. As a country, we cannot make that decision alone.” His comments underscored Zimbabwe’s preference for multilateralism in addressing complex international conflicts and its commitment to respecting international protocols.
The decision comes amid intense global scrutiny of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which escalated dramatically following a surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023. The offensive that followed has resulted in devastating casualties on both sides.
According to data from the Gaza Health Ministry and the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry, by July 30, 2025, over 63,000 people had died as a result of the conflict—61,805 Palestinians and 1,983 Israelis. Notably, reports indicate that approximately 80% of Palestinian fatalities have been civilians, with a disproportionate number being women and children.
Zimbabwe Commits to Continued Trade with Israel Amid Global Condemnation Over Gaza Conflict
The United Nations has further estimated that 70% of those killed in residential areas were women and children, underscoring the severe humanitarian toll of the hostilities. The conflict has also claimed the lives of 217 journalists, 120 academics, and more than 224 humanitarian aid workers, including 179 United Nations employees, raising concerns about the safety of civilians and the protection of those engaged in relief efforts.
This widespread devastation has sparked international condemnation and calls for punitive measures against Israel, including sanctions and trade embargoes by various countries and organizations.
Despite the heightened tensions and calls for trade restrictions, Zimbabwe remains committed to preserving its economic ties with Israel. Mangwana’s comments came during a visit to the Beitbridge Juice Plant, a key Schweppes Zimbabwe operation that exports products to Israel, the United States, and other countries in the region.
Schweppes Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge plant specializes in producing orange oils and beverages, which are important exports contributing to the country’s foreign currency earnings. According to Ropafadzo Gwanetsa, Schweppes corporate affairs executive, the plant earned approximately US$1.1 million from foreign markets in 2024, including significant sales in South Africa and Botswana.
Gwanetsa also shared plans for expansion, noting that Schweppes intends to open a new juice plant in Botswana to further increase production capacity and market reach. Importantly, she reassured stakeholders that this expansion would not affect local supplies in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the company’s commitment to meeting domestic demand alongside growing export volumes.
Beyond its commercial operations, the Schweppes Beitbridge Juice Plant has demonstrated a commitment to community development and sustainability. The plant donates animal feed made from orange peels to communal farmers in the surrounding areas as part of its outreach initiatives. This practice not only supports local agriculture but also contributes to reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility.
Mangwana’s tour of the plant highlighted the government’s support for such initiatives that foster economic growth while benefiting local communities. The visit also reinforced the importance of maintaining export relationships that help generate vital foreign currency, which is essential for Zimbabwe’s economic stability.
Zimbabwe’s decision to continue trading with Israel, despite widespread international condemnation, illustrates the complex balance that many nations face in navigating geopolitical conflicts. On one hand, there is growing global pressure to respond to humanitarian crises and uphold international human rights standards. On the other, countries like Zimbabwe must consider their own economic realities and the impacts of sanctions and trade disruptions.
By choosing to await guidance from the United Nations rather than impose unilateral sanctions, Zimbabwe signals its desire to act within established international frameworks while protecting its national interests. This approach reflects Zimbabwe’s historical experiences with sanctions and the belief that collective decision-making is key to fair and effective international responses.
As the Gaza conflict continues to have devastating effects on civilians and draw global condemnation, Zimbabwe remains steadfast in its policy of maintaining trade ties with Israel. Secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana’s remarks emphasize the country’s commitment to multilateral decision-making and economic pragmatism.
While Zimbabwe recognizes the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza, it also acknowledges the importance of safeguarding its own economic interests and supporting businesses like Schweppes Zimbabwe that contribute to national development through export earnings and community engagement.
The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by countries caught at the crossroads of geopolitics, economics, and humanitarian concerns—a delicate balance Zimbabwe is navigating with caution and care.
Source- Bulawayo24
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