Farai Mabeza
Zimbabwean businesses seeking to expand into South Africa are set to get a platform to engage potential buyers, distributors and investors when the South Africa–Zimbabwe Business Forum takes place in Pretoria on 21 August 2026.
The forum will be held on the sidelines of the upcoming South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission under the theme, “Catalysing Economic Resilience: Strategic Trade and Investment Partnerships for the Future.”
According to trade promotion agency ZimTrade, the event will bring together businesses, investors, government institutions and trade-support organisations from both countries to explore opportunities to expand trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
“South Africa remains one of Zimbabwe’s most important trading partners and its largest source of imports,” ZimTrade said.
The two countries are linked by established road and rail networks, longstanding commercial relationships and supply chains covering agriculture, mining, manufacturing and other productive sectors.
ZimTrade said these existing connections “provide a strong base from which businesses can pursue new opportunities.”
The forum comes as Zimbabwe’s export landscape continues to evolve, with markets outside South Africa gaining greater prominence.
ZimTrade said this creates an opportunity to “reposition the bilateral relationship around stronger business linkages, greater value addition and new areas of cooperation.”
Discussions will focus on issues directly affecting businesses operating across the two markets, including transport and logistics along the Beitbridge trade corridor, cross-border value chains, manufacturing integration, capital equipment, technology transfer and opportunities arising from regional and continental trade arrangements.
A key feature will be business-to-business engagements, giving Zimbabwean companies direct access to South African exporters, investors and potential commercial partners.
Companies will be able to explore opportunities in market entry, distribution, sourcing, investment and collaboration, with firms in processed foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, clothing and textiles, steel products, household and electrical goods, agricultural inputs, services and leather products particularly encouraged to participate.
For existing exporters, the forum is expected to provide opportunities to strengthen established relationships, while companies seeking entry into the South African market can use the platform to build commercial connections and identify new avenues for growth.
