South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa have convened the fourth session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria, with both leaders seeking to deepen economic cooperation, trade, infrastructure development and regional integration.
The high-level meeting brings together senior government officials and ministers from both countries to review existing bilateral commitments and identify new areas of cooperation. Established in April 2015, the BNC is the principal framework for managing the strategic relationship between the neighbouring countries. More than 33 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been concluded through the bilateral framework.
Economic Cooperation Takes Centre Stage
Economic development and trade are among the main priorities of this year’s discussions. President Ramaphosa said Zimbabwe remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade having nearly doubled over the past four years.
However, he warned that the relationship remains heavily imbalanced because South Africa exports significantly more to Zimbabwe than it imports. Ramaphosa called for greater investment in Zimbabwean production and the beneficiation of natural resources so that both countries can expand manufacturing, create employment and increase exports.
The South African president also highlighted opportunities to use the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand trade between the two countries and connect their economies to wider African markets.
Infrastructure and Investment
Infrastructure development is another major area of cooperation. Ramaphosa called for joint efforts to develop roads, bridges, dams, airports, health facilities and schools, while identifying energy and water infrastructure as important areas for investment.
South Africa’s Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) have been identified as institutions that could support high-impact projects in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa, meanwhile, urged the two countries to move beyond traditional trade and pursue joint investment, research, technological innovation and industrial development.
He said businesses should work together on projects that can eventually allow South African and Zimbabwean companies to access markets beyond their two countries.
Migration and Regional Security
Migration is also expected to remain an important part of the bilateral relationship. South Africa has said migration issues will be discussed within the broader context of SADC regional integration, safety and security.
South Africa, which currently chairs SADC, is planning a regional migration summit. Officials have stressed that migration is a longstanding bilateral issue rather than a matter arising solely from recent protests concerning undocumented migrants in South Africa.
Strengthening Historic Relations
The leaders’ meeting comes against the backdrop of longstanding historical, cultural and political ties between the two countries. Ramaphosa described South Africa and Zimbabwe as having deep connections and expressed condolences to Zimbabwe following the recent Lake Kariba ferry tragedy, which claimed close to 100 lives.
The fourth BNC is expected to conclude with the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding covering strategic areas of bilateral cooperation.
The outcome of the meeting could therefore shape the next phase of South Africa-Zimbabwe relations, particularly efforts to increase two-way trade, attract investment, develop infrastructure and strengthen economic integration across Southern Africa.
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