MIDRAND, Gauteng — The South Africa and Zimbabwe Business Forum is convening at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, marking a pivotal push by President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Emmerson Mnangagwa to fundamentally reset and strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. As the two heads of state prepare to address the summit, the strategic focus has sharply shifted from historical political alliances toward resolving tangible economic bottlenecks, correcting trade imbalances, and unlocking cross-border industrial growth.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has recently emphasized the necessity of evolving the relationship between the two neighboring nations. While the ANC and ZANU-PF share deep-rooted political history, leadership is now demanding a departure from the recent stagnation in the business environment. The core objective is to foster economic growth that delivers reciprocal benefits, moving past diplomatic rhetoric into actionable commercial partnerships.
A central theme of the summit is the urgent need to recalibrate the trade balance. Data from 2024 indicates that South African exports to Zimbabwe totaled approximately R2.69 billion, a figure that heavily overshadows the volume of goods imported from Zimbabwe. Forum delegates are actively tasked with dismantling the systemic barriers that perpetuate this disparity, ensuring a more equitable flow of regional investment and commerce.
Morning sessions are being driven by business executives zeroing in on transport infrastructure as the primary catalyst for unlocking commercial potential. Although the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was designed to accelerate such regional integration, misaligned national policies continue to create friction. A glaring example highlighted in discussions is the delayed development of key Special Economic Zones (SEZs), specifically the Musina-Makhado (referenced in the corridor discussions as Messina-Makhado) and the Fetmo SEZ. Stakeholders note that these zones have struggled to gain traction, with some remaining merely as undeveloped land, raising critical questions about the execution timeline for these flagship investment projects.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the forum will dedicate specific panels to the intersection of business and migration policy. Cross-border mobility directly dictates how companies operate, scale, and share skills across the region. Discussions will explore frameworks to transform border areas into vibrant trade and business hubs, which includes examining new avenues for South African investors. For instance, upcoming dialogues with regional real estate professionals will highlight emerging opportunities in Zimbabwe’s private and commercial property markets, encouraging South Africans to consider strategic expansion across the border.
The structure of the event underscores a private-sector-led approach, with business leaders steering the morning dialogues to ensure practical outcomes. President Ramaphosa and President Mnangagwa are scheduled to deliver their addresses and officially conclude the forum in the afternoon, cementing a unified governmental commitment to a comprehensive economic and migration reset between the two nations.
