South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed Zimbabwe’s economic progress and major infrastructure developments.
He said the improvements could strengthen trade and investment between the neighbouring countries.
Ramaphosa made the remarks during a Zimbabwe-South Africa business forum in Midrand on Friday.
More than 200 business leaders attended the gathering alongside Ramaphosa and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The forum formed part of the fourth Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission session.
It also gave businesses an opportunity to discuss investment, trade and new commercial partnerships.
Ramaphosa praises Zimbabwe’s infrastructure
Ramaphosa highlighted Zimbabwe’s infrastructure upgrades as an important factor for future economic cooperation.
He particularly praised the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post.
The South African leader visited the facility in October 2023.
“Zimbabwe’s economy is becoming more and more attractive. We are committed to developing the infrastructure that is needed for the movement of goods between our borders. May I say that Zimbabwe has shown enormous growth. What they have done in modernising their side of the border is just second to none, it’s world class,” he said.
Ramaphosa also acknowledged Zimbabwe’s difficult economic period over recent years.
However, he believes the country’s recovery presents fresh opportunities for both nations.
“In recent years, Zimbabwe has experienced challenges, but now it is pleasing to have a neighbour who is on the rise. We want a situation where we can have markets for both our countries,” he said.
He therefore challenged businesses to turn discussions and partnerships into actual investments.
Mnangagwa urges businesses to act
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa called for stronger private-sector involvement in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
He said governments must create policies that encourage investment and commercial activity.
However, businesses must convert those opportunities into real projects and stronger trade.
Mnangagwa also urged young people to play a bigger role in regional economic development.
He pointed to the mineral resources shared across Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The President believes those resources can support industrial growth and technological advancement.
He further called for universities to support young innovators and help commercialise their ideas.
“Most importantly, we have young people with energy and ambition. The task before us is to unlock their potential. Our natural resources must feed our region and not benefit others. Our young people are developing prototypes in agriculture, information technology. An innovation that remains in the hub is not useful,” President Mnangagwa said.
The forum ultimately focused on turning business relationships into meaningful commercial deals.
Consequently, Zimbabwe and South Africa hope to deepen economic cooperation through stronger private-sector partnerships.
The post Ramaphosa praises Zimbabwe’s infrastructure drive, urges stronger trade ties appeared first on iHarare News.
