Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger economic cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe, with a particular focus on balancing trade, expanding infrastructure investment, and turning the two countries' abundant natural resources into jobs and greater prosperity. Addressing the Fourth Session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria on Friday, President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for both nations to leverage existing bilateral mechanisms and opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to increase trade and address the significant trade imbalance between them.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa highlighted Zimbabwe as one of South Africa's largest trading partners, noting that the value of bilateral trade has nearly doubled over the last four years. However, he acknowledged a significant trade imbalance, with South Africa exporting more to Zimbabwe than it imports. He urged both countries to collaborate in narrowing this trade deficit and to focus on expanding the production and export of goods manufactured from their natural resources.
The President stressed the importance of infrastructure investment to support economic growth and enhance trade between the two nations. He mentioned the potential contributions of institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Industrial Development Corporation in investing in high-impact projects in Zimbabwe. These projects aim to connect factories and farms to markets, power stations to businesses and homes, and dams to taps, ultimately linking the two countries more closely.
President Ramaphosa also called for deeper cooperation in mining, emphasizing the need for both nations to ensure their mineral wealth contributes to economic development and job creation. He noted Zimbabwe's growing production of gold, platinum, and critical minerals like lithium, and highlighted South Africa's increasing investment in exploration and beneficiation. The President advocated for the processing of minerals locally to export finished products, thereby enhancing economic benefits for both countries.
Addressing energy cooperation, President Ramaphosa highlighted the potential of the Southern African Power Pool to support the development of clean, affordable, and reliable energy across the region. He also underscored the significance of cooperation on water management, citing the agreement to supply water from Zimbabwe's Beitbridge Water Works to Musina as an example of successful collaboration.
In terms of food security, the President urged for greater cooperation in agricultural production to ensure food sufficiency for all citizens. He emphasized the importance of utilizing vast arable land for intensified production to support both communal and commercial farmers, especially as the region faces challenges from climate change and droughts.
President Ramaphosa also called for enhanced cooperation on migration, border management, and combating trans-border crime. He stressed the importance of modernizing facilities and systems to ease the movement of people and goods while strengthening joint efforts against trans-border crime.
On broader regional issues, President Ramaphosa highlighted the necessity of peace and stability for development in Southern Africa and the continent. He expressed concern over ongoing conflicts and instability in regions such as the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Delgado in Mozambique, and Madagascar. He also noted the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, instability in South Sudan, and armed insurgency in the Sahel.
President Ramaphosa congratulated Zimbabwe on its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, expressing hope that Zimbabwe would focus international attention on conflicts hindering Africa's development and support African-led conflict resolution efforts.
Reflecting on historical ties, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the deep cultural, historical, and linguistic connections between South Africa and Zimbabwe. He recalled Zimbabwe's support for South Africa during its struggle against colonialism, white minority rule, and apartheid, expressing gratitude for Zimbabwe's shelter and support during those challenging times.
The session coincided with mourning for the victims of the Lake Kariba ferry tragedy. President Ramaphosa extended condolences to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the people of Zimbabwe, and the bereaved families following the incident.
The Fourth Session of the BNC offered an opportunity for both Heads of State to review progress in implementing existing bilateral commitments and to identify further opportunities to strengthen cooperation. Established in April 2015, the BNC serves as the central mechanism for managing and advancing the strategic partnership between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The session concluded with the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in strategic areas, with President Ramaphosa affirming the expectation for tangible outcomes from the BNC.