Ramaphosa urges South Africa and Zimbabwe to boost two-way trade

President Cyril Ramaphosa urged South Africa and Zimbabwe to enhance their trade relationship at the opening of the fourth session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC). During his speech, Ramaphosa highlighted that while bilateral trade had nearly doubled over the past four years, South Africa still exports far more to Zimbabwe than it imports.

He emphasized the need to address the trade imbalance between the two countries, stating that "there is a significant imbalance in trade between our two countries." Ramaphosa proposed utilizing instruments like the Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Cooperation and the African Continental Free Trade Area to balance the composition of trade and increase the volume exchanged.

He suggested expanding the production and export of goods made from their natural resources, particularly in mining, energy, agriculture, transport, logistics, and water management. The upcoming ministerial report of the BNC will assess progress and identify opportunities in these sectors. Ramaphosa stressed that economic growth and increased trade would depend on significant investment in infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, dams, airports, health facilities, and schools.

He also encouraged turning natural resources into jobs and economic opportunities, noting Zimbabwe's growing production of gold, platinum, and critical minerals like lithium. South Africa, he said, is increasing investment in mineral exploration and beneficiation. In terms of energy, Ramaphosa called for deeper cooperation through the Southern African Power Pool, highlighting the region's potential to become a leader in clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

He also emphasized water cooperation, citing the agreement to supply water from Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge Water Works to Musina. For agriculture, Ramaphosa called for leveraging arable land to boost production and support communal and commercial farmers, especially as climate change and El Niño droughts continue to impact water sources and grazing land.

The President also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation on migration and border management, advocating for modernized facilities and systems to facilitate easier movement between the two countries while combating trans-border crime. Ramaphosa highlighted regional conflicts and instability, urging for peaceful resolution of conflicts through mediation and dialogue.

He congratulated Zimbabwe on its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, emphasizing the shared history and destiny between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and the BNC's responsibility to deliver tangible benefits for their people.