South Africa, Zimbabwe Businesses Urged to Build Together, Create Jobs

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is pushing for a deeper economic partnership with Zimbabwe, urging businesses from both nations to move beyond simple trade and invest in joint industries and infrastructure. Speaking at the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission Business Forum, Ramaphosa stated that stronger economic integration should directly translate into job creation, especially for young people and women.

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Today, solidarity means jobs, investment and a trading relationship that benefits both our peoples.

While acknowledging a significant increase in bilateral trade, reaching R81 billion in 2025, Ramaphosa pointed out a persistent imbalance. South Africa's exports to Zimbabwe, largely finished goods like vehicles and industrial products, far outweigh Zimbabwe's exports of raw and semi-processed materials such as coal, chromium ore, and tobacco. "Today, solidarity means jobs, investment and a trading relationship that benefits both our peoples," he said.

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Much of what South Africa sends over the Limpopo are finished goods: vehicles, earthmoving equipment, industrial cleaning and mining products. Zimbabwe sends raw and semi-processed material south: coal and coke products, chromium ore, gold, semi-finished steel and raw tobacco.

The president stressed the importance of leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to industrialize, boost intra-African trade, and create employment. He underscored that governments can set policies and sign agreements, but it is businesses that ultimately drive investment, production, and job growth. "Governments can determine policy, sign agreements and ratify protocols, but it is business that turns a signed agreement into a shipment, a factory or a job," Ramaphosa stated.

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Through the African Continental Free Trade Area we can expand trade between African countries. We can put our natural resources to better use. We can develop our industries and create more jobs for our people.

South Africa views Zimbabwe as a crucial regional market and expressed optimism about its economy, noting strong growth in 2025 driven by mining and agriculture. Ramaphosa suggested that greater economic stability in Zimbabwe would provide the predictability needed for South African investors to commit capital. He also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, particularly at the Beitbridge border post and along regional corridors, to facilitate this enhanced economic cooperation.

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Governments can determine policy, sign agreements and ratify protocols, but it is business that turns a signed agreement into a shipment, a factory or a job.