Zimbabwe, South Africa Deepen Economic Ties as Leaders Push Trade, Investment and Infrastructure

PRETORIA — Zimbabwe and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic and political cooperation, with the two countries signing a raft of agreements aimed at boosting trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, gender equality and cultural ties.

The commitments were made at the conclusion of the Fourth Session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria on Friday.

The agreements are intended to translate the longstanding historical and political relationship between the two neighbours into practical programmes that support economic growth, job creation and shared development.

Among the agreements signed were memoranda of understanding on cooperation between Zimbabwe's Foreign Service Institute and South Africa's Diplomatic Academy, correctional services, women's empowerment and gender equality.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, arts, culture and heritage.

Trade and investment take centre stage

President Ramaphosa described Zimbabwe as a strategic partner and one of South Africa's largest trading partners, saying the two countries would intensify efforts to expand investment and trade.

He identified agriculture and agro-processing, energy, mining, transport, medicines and vaccines, water, tourism, finance and digital technology as sectors offering significant opportunities for deeper bilateral investment.

Ramaphosa said stronger economic cooperation should translate into inclusive growth, employment and improved access to essential services, particularly for women and young people.

The South African leader also stressed the need for the seamless and secure movement of people and goods between the two countries, with border management remaining an important component of the bilateral agenda.

Zimbabwe pushes economic integration

President Mnangagwa said the BNC had established key priorities for strengthening economic integration between the two countries.

He said Zimbabwe and South Africa needed to reduce their dependence on distant markets and build greater resilience against external economic shocks.

The Zimbabwean President  highlighted cross-border manufacturing value chains, infrastructure development, agriculture and mineral beneficiation among the High Impact Priority Projects requiring implementation.

Of particular importance is the proposed Third Limpopo Bridge and the operationalisation of the One Stop Border Post, which Zimbabwe views as critical to improving the movement of goods, services and people between the two countries.

Zimbabwe also pledged to address tariff and non-tariff barriers and challenges affecting South African businesses operating in the country as part of efforts to improve the investment environment.

Infrastructure and industrialisation

The two governments are expected to place greater emphasis on infrastructure development and industrialisation as they implement the decisions reached at the BNC.

The focus on manufacturing value chains and mineral beneficiation could also strengthen regional production networks while allowing the two countries to derive greater value from their natural resources.

The leaders further committed to working with other SADC countries to advance regional integration and industrialisation.

Shared liberation history

Beyond economic cooperation, the BNC addressed the two countries' shared liberation heritage.

President Mnangagwa called on South Africa to develop the land allocated to it at Zimbabwe's Museum of African Liberation, saying the facility would preserve the history of the struggle against apartheid and colonialism for future generations.

The Zimbabwean President also expressed appreciation for South Africa's support for Zimbabwe's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and its advocacy for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.

Focus now shifts to implementation

Both leaders stressed that the signing of agreements must be followed by concrete action.

President Mnangagwa called for the full use of the Decision Management System to monitor implementation and identify areas requiring corrective measures.

President Ramaphosa similarly urged officials to ensure that the agreements translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation against cross-border and transnational organised crime while deepening people-to-people and cultural relations.

The outcome of the Fourth BNC therefore places a strong emphasis on moving from political commitments to implementation, with trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, mining, border management and industrialisation emerging as key pillars of the renewed Zimbabwe-South Africa partnership.

Sources -South Africa Government News Agency and ZBC.