President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday called for deeper cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe on biosecurity and agricultural trade, citing recent outbreaks of animal diseases that have disrupted livestock sectors in both countries.
Speaking at the official opening of the 115th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare, Ramaphosa urged regional collaboration to tackle transboundary threats such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which has resurfaced in multiple provinces across South Africa and prompted import bans from neighbouring states.
Zimbabwe, too, has battled recurring outbreaks of FMD and tick-borne diseases like theileriosis, which have devastated cattle populations and rural livelihoods.
“Biosecurity is an area we must step up our cooperation as neighbours,” Ramaphosa said.
“Outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and other animal diseases demand that we should pool our resources together.”
The South African leader also called on private sector actors from both countries to use the agricultural show as a platform to strengthen commercial partnerships.
“I was particularly impressed by how you are improving agriculture by empowering small-scale farmers,” he added.
Ramaphosa’s one-day working visit, hosted by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, comes amid growing economic ties between the two neighbours.
In 2024, South Africa exported goods worth R69.2 billion (US$3.9 billion) to Zimbabwe, with vegetables alone accounting for R11.9 billion.
Imports from Zimbabwe rose to R5.4 billion, reflecting a steady expansion in bilateral trade.
More than 120 South African companies currently operate in Zimbabwe across sectors including mining, aviation, tourism, banking and retail.
Organised by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, the exhibition attracted over 505 exhibitors this year.
JN/APA