By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected in Pretoria on Friday for the Fourth Session of the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), where he will meet host President Cyril Ramaphosa, as the two neighbouring countries seek to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The four-day BNC session began on Tuesday with senior government officials from Zimbabwe and South Africa reviewing the implementation of previous commitments and laying the groundwork for the Ministerial Session.
Key areas on the agenda include trade and investment, migration, infrastructure, energy, security and economic development, with both countries expected to explore practical measures to strengthen cooperation.
In a statement, the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa confirmed that President Ramaphosa will host President Mnangagwa in Pretoria for the leaders’ session.
“His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will, on Friday, 21 August 2026, host His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe for the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria.
“Established in April 2015, the BNC serves as the central mechanism for managing and advancing the strategic partnership between South Africa and Zimbabwe. To date, more than 33 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been concluded between the two countries across various areas of cooperation,” the South African Presidency said.
The Presidency said the Fourth Session would allow the two leaders to assess progress made in implementing existing bilateral commitments while identifying new opportunities to expand cooperation.
“Discussions will focus on deepening bilateral cooperation across key areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, infrastructure, economic development and other areas that contribute to shared growth and development.
“The Session will culminate in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at further expanding bilateral cooperation in strategic areas,” it added.
The meeting will also be accompanied by a Business Forum involving businesses from the two countries to explore partnerships, trade and investment.
The Zimbabwe-South Africa relationship has its roots in longstanding liberation solidarity and has, since 1994, expanded across political, social and economic sectors.
The latest BNC is expected to place greater emphasis on translating the countries’ strong political ties into tangible economic and development outcomes, particularly in areas with potential to generate investment, employment and shared growth.
New Ziana
