Online Reporter
Judith Phiri,Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Zimbabwe-South Africa (ZimSA) Business Chamber continues to explore opportunities for enhanced trade and investment cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The ZimSA Business Chamber’s mandate is to foster business linkages and provide critical market intelligence to investors and entrepreneurs operating in or exploring opportunities in Zimbabwe and South Africa across multiple sectors.
On Wednesday, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, met with the ZimSA Business Chamber with discussions during the engagement centered on forging mutually beneficial partnerships in manufacturing, industrial development and commercial ventures.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry of Industry and Commerce said Minister Ndhlovu provided a comprehensive overview of Zimbabwe’s evolving investment climate, highlighting key policy reforms designed to improve ease of doing business and attract foreign capital.
“He further outlined Government support mechanisms available to businesses seeking to establish operations in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mr David Hamadziripi, complemented the Minister’s remarks by detailing institutional frameworks implemented under the Diaspora Policy to facilitate diaspora participation in Zimbabwe’s economic development.”
Ambassador Hamadziripi emphasized the Government’s commitment to engaging the diaspora as strategic partners in national growth.
The Ministry said the meeting also underscored the shared commitment to deepening economic ties between Zimbabwe and South Africa, with both parties expressing optimism for increased cross-border investment and collaboration.
According to the two countries trade brief, in 2023, Zimbabwe exported US$2.23 billion to South Africa. The main products that Zimbabwe exported to South Africa were nickel mattes US$0.9billion, ores, slag and ash (US$617million), raw tobacco (US$103.7million) and coke (US$69.4million).
Over the past 5 years, the exports of Zimbabwe to South Africa have marginally increased from US$2.1 billion in 2019 to US$2.2 billion in 2023.
In 2023, South Africa exported US$3.3 billion to Zimbabwe. The main products that South Africa exported to Zimbabwe were delivery trucks (US$133 million), electricity (US$96.6 million), and refined petroleum (US$91.4 million).
Over the past 5 years, the exports of South Africa to Zimbabwe have increased at an annualised rate of 9.22 percent, from US$1.98 billion in 2019 to US$3.3 billion in 2023.
