South Africa, Zimbabwe Urged to Translate Strong Ties into Economic Opportunities
Pretoria, The Gulf Observer: South Africa and Zimbabwe must move beyond their strong historical and political ties and translate their bilateral relationship into tangible economic opportunities in investment, trade, employment, infrastructure and improved livelihoods, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said on Thursday.
Lamola made the remarks at the opening of the Ministerial Meeting segment of the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria.
He said the two countries had a strong foundation for deeper cooperation, underpinned by their shared history and geographical proximity, but stressed that the ultimate success of the BNC would be measured by its impact on ordinary citizens.
“Our political relationship is strong. Our historical bonds are deep. Our geographical proximity creates enormous opportunities. What is required now is to convert these advantages into concrete programmes and projects that improve the lives of our peoples,” Lamola said.
He urged ministers and senior officials from both countries to identify areas where progress could be accelerated and address obstacles that have delayed implementation of bilateral commitments.
Lamola called for decisions taken under the BNC to be accompanied by clear responsibilities and realistic timelines, stressing that their implementation should result in increased investment and trade, job creation, infrastructure development, energy and food security, and improved livelihoods.
Established in April 2015, the BNC serves as the central mechanism for managing and advancing the strategic partnership between South Africa and Zimbabwe. More than 33 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been concluded between the two countries across a range of sectors.
Unlocking Economic Potential
Lamola identified infrastructure connectivity, energy, agriculture, critical minerals and private-sector investment as priority areas for deeper bilateral cooperation.
He noted that South Africa and Zimbabwe are key partners along the North-South Corridor, with the Beitbridge Border Post serving as a major gateway for the movement of people and goods between the two countries and the wider region.
He called for greater cooperation along the corridor through the modernisation and expansion of road and rail infrastructure, improved border management systems, development of logistics facilities and stronger connectivity with ports and regional markets.
Lamola also called for enhanced cooperation in water security and digital connectivity, stressing that infrastructure development should support communities, agriculture, industry, trade and investment.
He highlighted the strong agricultural relationship between the two countries, noting that South Africa was Zimbabwe’s second-largest agricultural export market in 2025, with exports valued at approximately US$202 million.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, was South Africa’s second-largest agricultural export market globally and its largest agricultural export market in Africa, with exports valued at approximately US$1.1 billion.
Lamola said bilateral agricultural cooperation should extend beyond trade in finished products to include seeds, machinery, agricultural technologies and agro-processing.
He said such cooperation should contribute to the development of regional value chains and enable the resources produced in Southern Africa to generate greater value within the region.
The minister also urged stronger cooperation on beneficiation and value addition in the minerals sector, particularly given the two countries’ significant deposits of critical minerals that are increasingly important to the global economy.
Migration and Energy Cooperation
Migration was also identified as a key area on the bilateral agenda, with Lamola describing the Zimbabwe–South Africa route as one of Africa’s busiest migration corridors.
He said Zimbabwe is the largest country of origin for migrants to South Africa, accounting for approximately 48 percent of the migrant population.
Lamola stressed the need to strengthen cooperation on migration management, border governance and the facilitation of lawful movement.
“Safe, orderly and regular migration benefits South Africa, Zimbabwe and the wider region,” he said, calling for continued cooperation to develop effective and sustainable migration management mechanisms.
He also welcomed the Southern African Development Community’s call for a regional migration dialogue to address the underlying drivers of migration and develop sustainable responses.
Energy security was another priority highlighted by Lamola. He called for closer cooperation in electricity generation and transmission, as well as regional power connectivity through the Southern African Power Pool.
He advocated investment in new generation capacity, renewable energy and technologies capable of strengthening the resilience of both countries’ energy systems.
Strengthening Regional Integration
Lamola said South Africa and Zimbabwe should ensure that their bilateral cooperation contributes to broader regional integration and supports implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He called for joint initiatives aligned with Southern African Development Community priorities, particularly in infrastructure development, industrialisation, energy security, food security and regional value chains.
The Ministerial Meeting segment will feed into the Heads of State meeting on Friday, when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission in Pretoria.
