New York — Zimbabwe and Benin have signed a Visa Exemption Agreement covering holders of both diplomatic and ordinary passports, a move expected to ease travel between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amon Murwira, and Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Corinne Amori Brunet, during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The deal is expected to facilitate greater movement of people between Zimbabwe and Benin while creating opportunities for increased trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange.

Speaking on the significance of the agreement, the two ministers highlighted its role in advancing the broader African integration agenda, particularly efforts to promote the free movement of people alongside goods, services and capital.

The visa exemption is also expected to strengthen people-to-people links and deepen bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Benin.

The agreement represents significant progress towards a unified Africa, facilitating easier movement across borders for citizens of participating nations.