By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
PRETORIA, South Africa — Zimbabwe and South Africa have signed six Instruments of Cooperation at the 4th session of the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Pretoria, as the two neighbours recommitted to deepening economic integration and addressing long-standing trade asymmetries.
The agreements, signed during the high-level session, cover various areas of mutual interest, signalling a renewed push for collaboration between Africa’s two most significant economies in the Southern African region.
Ramaphosa Decries Trade Imbalance
South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa used the platform to voice concern over the persistent trade imbalance between the two countries, which heavily favours South Africa.
The flow of trade between the two nations has historically followed a pattern that perpetuates underdevelopment, with South Africa exporting finished goods while Zimbabwe primarily sends unprocessed or semi-processed products across the border.
President Ramaphosa urged the region to correctly situate the movement of people across borders, noting that migration patterns are steeped in economic asymmetry.
He further emphasised that the Southern African region is endowed with critical minerals, vast agricultural land, world-class universities, and a vibrant youth population.
He cautioned against transferring value to other regions through primary exports, urging regional leaders to prioritise industrialisation and value addition.
“Countries and regions which do not strengthen their productive capacity remain vulnerable to global turbulences,” President Ramaphosa said.
Mnangagwa Calls for Industrialisation
Echoing his South African counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, speaking at the Zimbabwe-South Africa Business Forum in Midrand, reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s readiness to work with South Africa towards a stronger, more industrialised region.
“Zimbabwe is ready to work with South Africa for a stronger, more industrialised region. Countries and regions which do not strengthen their productive capacity remain vulnerable to global turbulences,” President Mnangagwa said.
The President’s remarks underscored the urgency for both nations to move beyond raw material exports and build manufacturing capacity that creates jobs, retains value, and drives sustainable economic growth.
A Shared Vision for Regional Development
The Bi-National Commission provides a platform for the two countries to coordinate on political, economic, and social cooperation. This year’s session comes at a critical juncture as both nations pursue industrialisation agendas under their respective national development plans.
The signing of the six Instruments of Cooperation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing trade, and fostering investment that benefits both economies.
The agreements are expected to pave the way for increased collaboration in sectors such as infrastructure development, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing — all critical to addressing the trade imbalance and building a more integrated regional economy.
Looking Ahead
As the Southern African region grapples with global economic headwinds, the partnership between Zimbabwe and South Africa is seen as a cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of transforming the region’s economic architecture, moving from the export of raw commodities to the production of finished goods that capture value within the region.
The agreements signed at the 4th BNC represent a step towards that vision, but both nations acknowledge that sustained effort and political will will be required to translate commitments into tangible economic transformation.
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