Zimbabwe–South Sudan bilateral relations
Zimbabwe and South Sudan maintain friendly diplomatic relations, with cooperation covering political affairs, education, trade, investment, peace and security, and technical cooperation. South Sudan became independent in July 2011, and Zimbabwe has maintained diplomatic engagement with the new state since then. Zimbabwe has a diplomatic mission in Juba.
1. Political and diplomatic relations
The two countries describe their relationship as being based on historical ties, African solidarity and mutual support. In February 2025, South Sudan’s Deputy Foreign Minister met Zimbabwe’s Head of Mission in Juba specifically to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. The agenda included high-level visits, political engagement, investment and trade.
Zimbabwe has also been involved in South Sudan’s diplomatic and peace-related discussions. In April 2024, Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Sudan held discussions with the Kenyan ambassador in Juba concerning the South Sudan peace process and cooperation between their diplomatic missions.
2. Education and human-resource cooperation
Education has been an important part of the relationship. Zimbabwean universities have hosted South Sudanese students, including students studying on scholarships.
For example, in 2019, South Sudanese officials reported that 69 South Sudanese students had graduated from Zimbabwean universities that year, while 79 were studying under scholarships. The two governments also discussed ensuring that graduates received their academic certificates.
This gives Zimbabwe a role in South Sudan’s development of professional and technical skills.
3. Trade and investment
Economic cooperation remains an area where both governments see room for expansion. In February 2025, the South Sudanese Foreign Ministry identified investment opportunities, trade coordination and economic partnerships as priorities in its discussions with Zimbabwe.
Historically, the two countries have also discussed cooperation involving oil and other bilateral trade agreements. In 2017, South Sudanese officials said the countries were working toward cooperation agreements that could include oil.
More recently, the emphasis has been on turning political relations into greater commercial and investment cooperation rather than relying primarily on diplomatic ties.
4. Peace and security
Zimbabwe has an interest in peace and stability in South Sudan as part of its broader African diplomatic and regional commitments. The countries have discussed South Sudan’s peace process and cooperation on regional matters.
Their relationship also takes place within broader African institutions, where both countries cooperate on continental issues.
5. Recent cooperation
The relationship is still developing. In September 2026, South Sudan participated in an AFRALTI governing-council meeting held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, involving telecommunications regulators and other institutions from across Africa. This illustrates continuing technical and institutional interaction between the two countries.
Overall picture
The Zimbabwe–South Sudan relationship can be summarized as:
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Diplomatic: friendly relations and regular official engagement.
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Political: cooperation and consultations on regional and international issues.
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Educational: Zimbabwe has provided university education and scholarships to South Sudanese students.
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Economic: both governments want to increase trade, investment and business cooperation.
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Peace and security: Zimbabwe has engaged with South Sudan in relation to its peace process.
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Technical: cooperation increasingly extends into areas such as telecommunications and professional development.
A key feature of the relationship is that political goodwill appears stronger and more established than the level of bilateral economic exchange. Recent government discussions have therefore focused on converting the existing diplomatic relationship into more concrete trade, investment and technical partnerships.
If you’re preparing an academic paper, diplomatic briefing, or presentation, I can also give you a detailed history of Zimbabwe–South Sudan relations from 2011 to 2026, including diplomatic visits, agreements, trade, education, security cooperation and challenges.