President Ramaphosa hails Zimbabwe’s infrastructure drive & calls for stronger trade ties
Ramaphosa urges South Africa and Zimbabwe to boost two-way trade as the two neighbouring countries seek to strengthen economic cooperation, investment and commercial relations.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Zimbabwe’s economic and infrastructure development, describing the neighbouring country as an increasingly attractive destination for trade and investment.
Speaking at a Zimbabwe-South Africa business forum in Midrand, Ramaphosa said the progress being made by Zimbabwe was creating new opportunities for businesses from both countries to deepen commercial relationships and develop markets that could benefit the wider region.
The business forum brought together more than 200 businesspeople from South Africa and Zimbabwe. It was held alongside the fourth session of the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission, bringing government officials, entrepreneurs and investors together to discuss opportunities for economic cooperation.
The discussions placed a strong emphasis on moving beyond political relationships and creating practical commercial agreements that can increase investment, employment and economic activity.
Zimbabwe-South Africa trade takes centre stage
The push to strengthen Zimbabwe-South Africa trade comes as both countries seek greater economic integration and improved movement of goods across their shared border.
Ramaphosa said Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development was an important factor in creating an environment where businesses could expand their operations and reach new markets.
One of the projects highlighted by the South African president was the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post, which plays a critical role in the movement of people and goods between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Ramaphosa previously visited the upgraded border facility in October 2023 and praised the infrastructure improvements.
He described Zimbabwe’s work on its side of the border as world-class and said infrastructure development was essential for supporting trade between the two countries.
The Beitbridge corridor is particularly important because it forms part of a major regional route linking South Africa with Zimbabwe and other markets further north.
Improved border infrastructure can help businesses reduce delays, improve logistics and move products more efficiently across national borders.
Beitbridge Border Post creates opportunities
The development of the Beitbridge Border Post was presented as an example of how infrastructure investment can support broader economic cooperation.
For businesses, efficient border facilities can make it easier to import raw materials, export finished products and manage regional supply chains.
Ramaphosa said South Africa was committed to supporting infrastructure that enables the movement of goods between the two countries.
The focus on transport and logistics also creates potential opportunities for companies involved in freight, warehousing, manufacturing, construction, technology and financial services.
For Zimbabwe, stronger infrastructure could help attract additional investment while improving its position as a gateway to regional markets.
For South African companies, closer economic cooperation could provide access to Zimbabwean consumers, resources and emerging commercial opportunities.
Ramaphosa Zimbabwe visit highlights investment opportunities
The Ramaphosa Zimbabwe visit and business engagement highlighted the importance of private-sector participation in strengthening bilateral economic relations.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that Zimbabwe had faced significant economic challenges in recent years. However, he said the country’s current trajectory presented new possibilities for businesses and investors.
The president called for the relationship between the two countries to produce tangible economic outcomes rather than simply remain focused on establishing business connections.
He encouraged companies to turn discussions and relationships into actual investments, contracts and commercial agreements.
The message is significant because government-to-government cooperation can only have a lasting economic impact if businesses are able to convert policy commitments into projects that create jobs and generate economic activity.
South African companies already have a significant presence across several African markets, and Zimbabwe remains an important neighbouring economy with potential opportunities across multiple sectors.
South Africa investment opportunities in Zimbabwe
Potential South Africa investment opportunities could emerge in areas such as infrastructure, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, financial services and technology.
Zimbabwe’s natural resources also remain an important part of its economic proposition.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa used the business forum to encourage greater investment in the country’s resources while emphasising the need for young people to play a bigger role in economic development.
He argued that Zimbabwe and the broader region should use their natural resources to build local industries instead of allowing the benefits to flow primarily to external markets.
This could create opportunities for partnerships between South African and Zimbabwean companies in processing, manufacturing and technology.
Zimbabwe infrastructure development could support growth
Zimbabwe infrastructure development was another major theme of the discussions.
Infrastructure is central to economic growth because businesses depend on reliable roads, border facilities, energy systems, telecommunications and other services to operate efficiently.
Ramaphosa’s comments suggest that infrastructure improvements could strengthen Zimbabwe’s attractiveness to investors while supporting trade with South Africa.
The modernisation of major transport corridors is particularly important for businesses that depend on road freight.
If border procedures become more efficient, companies could potentially reduce transportation delays and improve the reliability of regional supply chains.
Infrastructure development can also create opportunities for construction companies, engineering firms, technology providers and financial institutions.
For Zimbabwe, attracting investment into infrastructure could therefore have benefits that extend beyond individual projects.
Mnangagwa calls for greater youth participation
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa also highlighted the role young people can play in transforming the region’s economy.
He said governments have an important responsibility to establish policies and frameworks that create an environment where businesses can invest and grow.
However, he stressed that the private sector must ultimately translate these conditions into increased trade and investment.
Mnangagwa also pointed to young innovators working in agriculture, information technology and other fields.
He argued that young people need support to take ideas and prototypes beyond innovation hubs and turn them into commercially viable products and businesses.
This approach could create opportunities for partnerships between universities, technology companies, investors and entrepreneurs in both countries.
Turning innovation into business
The emphasis on young innovators also connects economic development with job creation.
South Africa and Zimbabwe have large youthful populations, making entrepreneurship and technology important potential drivers of future economic growth.
Supporting young entrepreneurs could help create businesses capable of trading across borders and participating in regional value chains.
The challenge, however, will be ensuring that promising ideas receive access to funding, infrastructure, markets and business expertise.
Stronger trade could benefit both countries
The call to deepen Zimbabwe-South Africa trade reflects the long-standing economic relationship between the two countries.
South Africa remains an important trading partner for Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe provides a significant neighbouring market for South African businesses.
Improved infrastructure, stronger government cooperation and greater private-sector participation could help expand this relationship.
Ramaphosa’s call for stronger two-way trade also signals a desire to move towards a more balanced relationship in which businesses from both countries can access markets and investment opportunities.
The emphasis on tangible agreements is particularly important. Business forums can create valuable connections, but their success ultimately depends on whether those connections result in investment, contracts and sustainable commercial ventures.
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What comes next for South Africa and Zimbabwe?
The latest engagement between Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa provides a platform for continued economic cooperation.
For investors, the focus will likely remain on whether commitments made by governments translate into practical improvements in infrastructure, trade processes and the investment environment.
For businesses, the opportunities could extend from traditional industries such as mining and agriculture to logistics, manufacturing and technology.
The Beitbridge Border Post remains an important symbol of the potential benefits of infrastructure investment, particularly for companies involved in regional trade.
As South Africa and Zimbabwe seek stronger economic ties, the challenge will be turning political commitments into measurable economic results.
The message from the business forum was clear: stronger Zimbabwe-South Africa trade will require governments to create enabling conditions, while businesses must turn those conditions into investment, innovation and commercial activity.
If that partnership succeeds, increased trade and investment could benefit businesses, workers and consumers in both countries while contributing to broader economic integration across the region.
Mainstream media references
- IOL – Ramaphosa urges South Africa and Zimbabwe to boost two-way trade
Read the IOL report - The Herald Zimbabwe – Zim, SA ties hit new highs
Read The Herald report - The Chronicle – Beyond trade: Zim, SA step up regional industrial integration
Read The Chronicle report - The Herald – Economic diplomacy pays dividends as Zim/SA trade deepens
Read The Herald report
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