Zimbabwe and South Africa economic cooperation dates back to the precolonial period.
This relationship has culminated in South Africa becoming the largest Zimbabwean trading partner and source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by country of origin. Companies like PPC, Old Mutual, Ariston Holdings, Blanket Mine, Zimplats, Mimosa, Tongat Hullet, are some of the South African companies doing business in the various sectors of the Zimbabwean economy.
On the other hand a significant number of Zimbabwean companies have also invested in South Africa. The participation of Zimbabweans in the South African economy has been heavily promoted by the Zimbabweans living in South Africa and diaspora.
However, there is little if no statistical data base showing the official presence of the Zimbabwean investors in South Africa thereby underrating the importance of Zimbabwean cross-border investments in the neighboring country.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development would like to develop a platform that would enable Zimbabwean companies doing business in South Africa provide their details and share their experience in South Africa.
The information will also assist in policy making and will be useful during bilateral engagements with the South African Authorities.
It is against this back ground that all Zimbabwean investors in South Africa are requested to share their details and investment experience on this platform so that the authorities have an insight on their success and challenges in South Africa.
The information will also assist policy makers in crafting measures that would enable Zimbabweans doing business in South Africa to also exploit opportunities back home.
The information will be used for statistical and policy making purposes only. The Ministry will welcome suggestions and recommendations on how the intended objectives can be better achieved.
