ZANU PF Not Sweating Over Trump's Partial Travel Ban on Zimbabwe Says 'None of Our Business.

By Knowledge Muneri, 19 December 2025.  

ZANU PF says it will not lose sleep over the United States' partial travel restrictions on Zimbabwe, imposed by Donald Trump to tighten entry requirements for travel and immigration. Zimbabwe is among 15 countries facing partial travel restrictions from the US, a move described by the African Union as a blow to the continent. Addressing the media at the party headquarters in Harare, ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe is not perturbed by Trump's proclamation, citing the US's sovereign right to govern its own affairs.

"Americans elect a government, and out of the election of their government, it governs them according to their sovereign wishes as Americans. What they decide to do about entry or exit to their country is their business," Mutsvangwa said. However, Trump's proclamation has raised questions about the US's stance on Africa, viewed as hardline since he assumed the presidency in January this year. The move is seen as a step back in the thawing of relations between Zimbabwe and the US, which have been strained since Zimbabwe's fast-tracked land reform program in the early 2000s .

Mutsvangwa described the move as retrogressive in a globalized economy anchored on trade between countries. "What we would hope for is that a modern economy like America is tolerant of the globalized nature of human civilization. The world is becoming a global village, and free movement of people encourages interaction among people. If countries become paranoid or xenophobic, it's a retrogressive step. We don't prescribe what other countries should do with their immigration policy," he added .

The partial restrictions on Zimbabwe are due to high visa overstay rates, with a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 7.89% and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 15.15%. The restrictions will affect certain categories of travelers, including tourists, students, and business visitors, but exempt lawful permanent residents, diplomats, and individuals deemed to enter in the US national interest .