Ramaphosa Hails Zimbabwe’s Economic Recovery and Infrastructure Growth

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Zimbabwe’s economic progress and infrastructure development, saying the improvements could create new opportunities for trade, investment and closer economic cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

Ramaphosa made the remarks on Friday during a Zimbabwe-South Africa business forum in Midrand, attended by more than 200 business leaders alongside him and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The forum was held as part of the fourth session of the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission, providing businesses from both countries with an opportunity to explore investment opportunities, trade partnerships and new commercial ventures.

Ramaphosa praises Zimbabwe infrastructure

Ramaphosa singled out Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development as an important foundation for expanding bilateral trade, particularly improvements to transport and border infrastructure.

He specifically praised the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post, which he visited in October 2023.

“Zimbabwe’s economy is becoming more and more attractive. We are committed to developing the infrastructure that is needed for the movement of goods between our borders,” Ramaphosa said.

“Zimbabwe has shown enormous growth. What they have done in modernising their side of the border is just second to none, it’s world class,” he said.

The South African president acknowledged that Zimbabwe had experienced significant economic challenges in recent years but said its recovery was creating opportunities for both countries.

“In recent years, Zimbabwe has experienced challenges, but now it is pleasing to have a neighbour who is on the rise. We want a situation where we can have markets for both our countries,” Ramaphosa said.

He challenged businesses to move beyond discussions and translate bilateral relations into actual investments, expanded production and stronger commercial partnerships.

Mnangagwa calls for private-sector action

Mnangagwa, meanwhile, urged businesses to play a bigger role in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, saying governments should provide policies and conditions that encourage investment while the private sector turns opportunities into productive projects. He also called for greater participation by young people in the region’s economic development. Zimbabwe and South Africa possess significant mineral resources, which Mnangagwa said could support industrialisation, technological development and regional value chains.

“Most importantly, we have young people with energy and ambition. The task before us is to unlock their potential. Our natural resources must feed our region and not benefit others,” Mnangagwa said.

He said young innovators were already developing solutions in agriculture and information technology but needed stronger support to move their ideas from prototypes to commercially viable businesses.

“An innovation that remains in the hub is not useful,” he said.

Focus on trade and investment

The business forum comes as Zimbabwe and South Africa seek to deepen economic cooperation through increased private-sector participation. For Zimbabwe, stronger investment and trade ties with South Africa could support industrial development, job creation and access to regional markets. South African companies, meanwhile, stand to benefit from opportunities in Zimbabwe’s mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and technology sectors.

The two governments are expected to continue using the Bi-National Commission as a platform for addressing trade barriers and strengthening bilateral economic relations. The challenge now, as highlighted by both presidents, is to turn political commitments and business discussions into concrete investments that deliver measurable economic benefits for citizens in both countries.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Zimbabwe’s economic progress and infrastructure development, calling for stronger trade and investment ties.

 Zimbabwe South Africa trade and investment