MIDRAND, Gauteng — South Africa and Zimbabwe are moving to significantly strengthen trade, investment, and industrial ties as President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, prepare to address the South Africa-Zimbabwe Business Forum. Hosted at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, the high-level event marks a strategic, concerted effort to shift bilateral relations from historical political alliances toward actionable economic growth and balanced cross-border trade.
The forum comes at a critical time for regional economic integration. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has been increasingly vocal about the need to move beyond traditional political ties and address the stagnation that has recently characterized the investment and business environment between the two neighboring nations. While the ruling parties of both countries share deep historical bonds, the current focus is squarely on driving mutual economic prosperity.
A primary objective of the discussions is correcting the current trade imbalance. In 2024, exports from South Africa to Zimbabwe reached approximately R2.69 billion, a figure that dwarfs the volume of goods flowing in the opposite direction. Forum participants are tasked with identifying and removing systemic bottlenecks to ensure that regional trade and investment can flourish equitably.
At the core of these discussions is transport infrastructure. Business executives are leading morning sessions focused on unlocking logistical opportunities, a move designed to fast-track the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). However, challenges remain in policy alignment. Stakeholders have raised concerns over the sluggish progress of key Special Economic Zones (SEZs), specifically the Musina-Makhado (referenced in discussions as the Messina-Makhado corridor) in the north, and the Beitbridge (Fetmo) SEZ. Both zones have struggled to gain traction, with some remaining largely undeveloped, prompting urgent questions about the timeline for activating these critical investment hubs.
Beyond infrastructure, migration and immigration policy will play a central role in the forum’s agenda. Cross-border movement directly impacts how businesses operate, scale, and share skills between the two nations. Dedicated panels will explore frameworks to manage migration constructively, including initiatives to open up new opportunities for South Africans in Zimbabwe, particularly within the private and commercial real estate sectors.
The structure of the forum itself reflects a modern approach to bilateral diplomacy: the business community is taking the lead in morning sessions to drive practical, private-sector-led solutions. President Ramaphosa and President Mnangagwa are scheduled to address the attendees and officially close the forum in the afternoon, signaling strong governmental backing for a comprehensive trade and migration reset between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
