China hands over 300 boreholes to drought-hit Zimbabwe communities

China has handed over 300 boreholes drilled in drought-affected areas of Zimbabwe, providing clean water to more than 75,000 people and boosting rural livelihoods in some of the country's hardest-hit communities.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Chimanimani on Friday, Zhou Ding said the project was completed in less than two years and reached 300 villages across 21 districts in the provinces of Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Masvingo and Midlands.

The initiative was launched in response to the severe El Niño-induced drought that prompted Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare a national disaster in 2024.

According to Zhou, the boreholes are now providing safe drinking water while also supporting agricultural activities such as crop production, livestock rearing and vegetable farming, helping communities strengthen food security and resilience.

He revealed that China has drilled more than 1,300 boreholes across Zimbabwe over the past decade, benefiting an estimated 500,000 people.

Zhou also announced plans to upgrade nine irrigation schemes before the end of the year, further supporting agricultural production in rural areas.

In addition, he highlighted China's zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe, saying the initiative would create new opportunities for local exporters seeking access to the Chinese market.

China remains Zimbabwe's largest buyer of tobacco and macadamia nuts. Zhou said nearly half of Zimbabwe's tobacco production last year was exported to China, generating approximately US$800 million in revenue. Macadamia exports to China exceeded 5,000 tonnes and were valued at about US$12 million.

Zimbabwe has also expanded its agricultural exports to China, with products such as citrus fruits, blueberries and dried chillies already entering the market, while sesame is expected to join the list of approved exports in the near future.