Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa heads to Pretoria for South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has travelled to Pretoria, South Africa, to attend the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), a high-level platform aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The session is focusing on deepening bilateral ties in key areas including trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, migration, security, agriculture, and technology.

The Ministerial Plenary Segment of the BNC began with ministers receiving a report from senior officials following two days of discussions. The meeting was co-chaired by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.

During the discussions, ministers acknowledged the strong political relationship between the two countries but called for faster implementation of existing agreements to ensure citizens benefit from the longstanding partnership.

Professor Murwira described Zimbabwe-South Africa relations as “excellent, solid and enduring”, saying they are built on shared liberation history, peace, and security cooperation.

He said the two nations are committed to using their relationship to expand industrial cooperation, trade, tourism, education, science, technology, innovation, and cultural exchanges.

“Bilateral trade currently exceeds US$5 billion, with significant potential for further growth,” Murwira noted, adding that Zimbabwe and South Africa should work together to address shared challenges such as poverty and development.

South Africa’s Minister Ronald Lamola said the geographical closeness and strong political ties between the two countries provide opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.

Lamola highlighted the importance of improving the North-South Corridor through modernising road and rail infrastructure, strengthening border management, and enhancing logistics systems.

The two countries also discussed cooperation in energy, water security, agriculture, migration, digital connectivity, mineral beneficiation, and industrial development.

The Fourth Session of the BNC is expected to conclude with a Heads of State meeting on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the OR Tambo Building in Pretoria.

The meeting is expected to translate the historic relationship between Zimbabwe and South Africa into practical programmes that promote trade, investment, regional integration, and socio-economic development.