Ramaphosa Backs Zimbabwe’s Land Reforms as Catalyst for Economic Growth

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Zimbabwe’s 2000 land reform initiative, describing it as a crucial step in empowering black citizens to take a leading role in agricultural production.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare, President Ramaphosa commended Zimbabwe’s government for addressing historical land imbalances inherited from colonialism, where fertile and commercial farmland was largely owned by the white minority while black Zimbabweans were confined to less productive communal areas.

“Following independence in 1980, Zimbabwe’s new leadership was tasked with the significant responsibility of restructuring land ownership patterns that had long excluded the black majority from commercial farming,” Ramaphosa noted. “This reflected similar dynamics in South Africa’s own history.”

He emphasized that the land reforms were vital not only for correcting historical injustices but also for ensuring food security, promoting development, and stimulating economic growth. Ramaphosa highlighted that including black Zimbabweans in commercial agriculture and supporting small-scale farmers was essential for the country’s progress.

Ramaphosa went on to congratulate Zimbabwe for its current efforts to rejuvenate the agriculture sector. He pointed to advancements such as policy reforms, investments in irrigation and farm mechanization, and support for both large- and small-scale farmers.

“Agriculture has faced severe disruptions due to climate change, especially through prolonged droughts which have hurt crop production,” he said. “All nations must urgently adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change, and regional cooperation is essential for achieving success.”

He also underlined the need for stronger collaboration between Zimbabwe and South Africa in areas such as biosecurity, citing threats from diseases like foot-and-mouth, avian flu, and crop pests. Ramaphosa encouraged joint efforts through scientific research and resource sharing to tackle these challenges.

Highlighting innovation in agriculture, the South African leader urged both countries to adopt modern technologies. He cited the use of artificial intelligence and geospatial technologies, noting that such tools are already in use and will play a major role in boosting productivity and conserving resources.

Despite these challenges, Ramaphosa acknowledged that the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show consistently demonstrates a commitment to using agriculture as a tool for economic transformation, sustainability, and redress of past inequalities.

He said the show aligns with the goals of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, which aims to increase local production, strengthen market access, and boost regional trade in staple crops. These steps, he added, will enhance competitiveness in global markets and maximize the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Ramaphosa referred to FAO statistics showing that agriculture provides between 60% and 80% of employment in Southern Africa. He stressed the importance of creating favorable policies and investing in small- and medium-sized farms, especially those operated by women and youth.

Referring to a recent SADC Summit held in Madagascar, he noted that regional agricultural transformation was a key focus. He encouraged private sector players from both Zimbabwe and South Africa to use the agricultural show as a platform for building partnerships and expanding trade and investment opportunities.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of agricultural cooperation in job creation and called for investment in key areas such as seed supply, training, irrigation infrastructure, storage solutions, and agro-processing. Furthermore, he pointed to transport development — including roads, railways, and air travel — as essential to unlocking the full potential of agriculture in the region.